differences between vivelle patch and vivelle dot...

I was just switched from the vivelle dot (.05 mg) to the vivelle patch (.0375) and find the patch won't stay on me. I didn't have any trouble with the dot staying on. I've been having some difficulty with water retention while on the dot. My pharmacist thought we could try a lower dose to see if that helped. Is the dot available in the lower .0375 mg? I went back to the dot until monday when I can call her and discuss this problem. I'm hoping the dot comes in the lower dose. I know it's not advisable to cut the dot right? I tried cutting one in half and didn't have any problems cutting it....put one half on last night. So far no hot flashes or night sweats :burning: of course it's only been one night, haha. Thanks for any input.

Brenda I just wanted to say that I have heard of ladies cutting theirs in half but you really should consult a pharmacist. Wish I had a better answer to give but I really dont know much about the patches. Sorry

because the manufacturer says the actual estradiol isn't spread evenly in the glue on the patch. I have cut mine and it seemed okay, unless my own hormones (kept ovaries) were kicking in and muddying the whole balance thing.

But, the official word is not to cut them! (Forgive me for being so cynical, but I could see the drug companies just wanting us to buy more, so they don't want us to mess with using less. Probably not the truth, but who knows?) Linda

Thanks Linda and Brenda for your replies....I'm anxious to talk with my pharmacist about it. She's pretty open to my suggestions and always willing to discuss issues and problems with me. She's pro natural hormones and I'm lucky to have found her. I'm hoping the lower dose will help the puffiness to go away! I hate it. :cry:

Brenda,
I've not used the vivelle dot but I think I remember reading a post here that it does come in a low dose. I would not recommend cutting the patch as you could muddy the waters further. I don't think your dose would be consistant each time.

Good luck with the doc.

The dot comes in four strengths as does the patch. They are: .0375, .05, .075 and .1. Good luck. It is just way to hard to figure it all out, but you will in time.

Hi to all that posted about the vivelle. I spoke with my pharmacist this morning and she told me that the vivelle is available in the lower .0375 mg, but the manufacturer is currently out of supply and they have no release date.

Until they recieve a shipment, she suggested I try and put a bandaid over the vivelle patch to hold it on. I'm not real happy about this, but I will try it to see if it works for the time being. I'm really hoping it's not a long time I'll have to wait for the dot to come in....oh well. Thanks again!

Brenda,
Perhaps you could call around to other pharmacies in your area and see if they have any in stock.