How to Wean Off Vivelle

Vivelle-Dot is an estrogen patch used by pre-menopausal and menopausal women. It isn't necessary to remain on Vivelle permanently, so there comes a time to wean yourself off of the medication. Since Vivelle influences hormones, you should stop using the patch only under the guidance of a licensed physician.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor and ask for a prescription for a lower dosage of Vivelle.

• 2

  Apply the new prescription patch to your abdomen twice a week. Note of any side effects you experience due to the lower dose of estrogen. These include nausea, dizziness, pain throughout the body, shortness of breath, irregular vaginal bleeding and hair loss.

• 3

  Report to your doctor in a week. Tell her about any side effects you experienced. She may keep you on the current prescription for another week, lower the dosage or take you off the medication.

• 4

  Follow the doctor's orders. If she keeps you on Vivelle, use the patches as prescribed. If she takes you off Vivelle, continue to watch for side effects and report them to the doctor.