Climara patch vs. Premarin pill

Since my 6-week check-up after the hyst, my gyn put me on the Climara patch 0.25mg. After I used up the samples, I got the generic. I began breaking out under the patch, so thought it was because of the adhesive used in the generic. When it was time for a refill, the brand-name patches are irritating me also. I had trouble with all of them coming off before the due time. The irritation has gotten out of control.

I called my gyn & he wants me to try Premarin o.625mg pill. I'm not too good at daily meds, so I'm a bit apprehensive about it. Any suggestions? Thanks & God bless!

Amanda

Amanda,
I had the same problem with the Climara patch. My skin was allergic to the adhesive. I switched to the Vivelle Dot patch and haven't had a problem with the adhesive at all and have not noticed a difference as far as symptoms go...in other words I have did great on it. My doctor also wanted me to try Premarin, but I prefer the bio-identical hormones, plus the patch is much more convenient (not having to take a pill everyday). The Vivelle Dot patch has to be changed twice a week vs. the Climara's once a week change.

Jackie

Amanda,
I also meant to mention that the Vivelle Dot patches stick really well...I've not had a problem with them coming off before the change time. Goodluck!

Jackie

Amanda, I too was on the Climara patch before I changed to the premarim. The generic patch didn't work at all, and the brand worked the weeks I put it on the backside not on my stomach. Someplace on this site I read that the patch is 20% more effective on the backside. Anyway,I still was not comfortable and switched to the premarin.I'm feeling alot better now and don't have to fuss with the patch. Good luck! MARLENE

Hi, I'm new to this site----I'm 45yo, & had a TAH & BSO 1 week ago. I am on the Climara 0.025mg patch, & so far haven't had any problems with rash, etc. I did however try the generic brand & had A LOT of problems with rash underneath which was like a yeast infection & it kept falling off. Is the Vidall patch a "bioidentical" one 'coz that's all I'm interested in? I'm VERY emotional & easily teary-eyed which I was really hoping would improve after the sx, but now I'm really scared that my low grade chronic depression is going to be even worse. Any advice?????
ps: How do you get those smilies & other expressions into your reply's??

Hi!

The 0.025mg dose is very, very low for someone who has had an oophorectomy, in my opinion. You might want to look over the list of symptoms common for too much/too little estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and check off the ones you are experiencing. Also, keep a journal of the symptoms you are having to share with your doctor as you work together to get balanced.

Vivelle Dot is bio-identical. It's the same estrogen (estradiol) which is in Climara. Some women who have an itchy reaction to Climara do well on Vivelle Dot. If you want to keep using bio-identical estrogen, there are choices other than the patches. It can also come in pill, gel, lotion and cream forms. You can learn more about them in articles #10 and #11 in this link to the Hormone Article List.

For ((hot & anxious)), here's a link to learn about the smilies.

Hi. Glad the Dot is good for you. I am considering switching from Premarin to a patch and doing some researach first on this board.
One thing I'm concerned about is...I am an avid swimmer...several times a week and am in the pool an hour each time...would this Vivelle Dot stay on with this activity type.??
Thank you.
Pauline