Divigel
(Estradiol gel)
Relieves hot flashes due to menopause.
Our bottom line
Divigel (Estradiol gel) is an easy to use medicine that comes in 3 different strengths. It uses lower doses of estrogen than other hormone replacements.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Replaces estrogen to your whole body and relieves multiple symptoms due to low estrogen, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Good for people who don't want to or can't take daily pills.
- Can take the easy to use, pre-measured packets anywhere.
- Divigel (Estradiol gel) has fewer side effects than pills since there are lower amounts of estrogen in gels.
- In studies, many women on the lowest dose started to feel better about a month after starting the medicine. People using the highest doses felt better in just 2 weeks.
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What to expect from Divigel, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Increases your risk of endometrial and breast cancer.
- If you have your uterus, you have to use Divigel (Estradiol gel) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.
- Can't be used in people with liver problems.
- It's possible to expose other people to the estrogen before it's absorbed by your skin.
- Can be expensive since it's only available as a brand name product.
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What to expect from Divigel, on one page
Download Fact SheetThe Divigel (Estradiol gel) replaces estrogen that your body loses during menopause. Higher levels of the hormone relieve hot flashes and night sweats.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Gel
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$139.99
- Rite AidGet free coupon$142.06
What to expect when you take Divigel (Estradiol gel) for Hot flashes
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Common cold
- Lung infection
- Yeast infection
- Breast pain
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Side effect rates for Divigel (Estradiol gel)
- Breast pain6%6%2%2%
- Unusual vaginal bleeding6%6%2%2%
- Common cold4%4%4%4%
- Lung infection2%2%2%2%
- Yeast infection2%2%3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Divigel.
People taking Divigel felt side effect more
People taking Divigel felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Divigel (Estradiol gel)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Using estrogen for more than one year
Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign of uterus (endometrial) cancer, so let your doctor know if you notice any unusual bleeding. Using medicines like Divigel (Estradiol gel) for more than a year can increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you can take with Divigel (Estradiol gel) to protect yourself from cancer if you are worried.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) associated with menopause.Common concerns from people taking Divigel (Estradiol gel)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- The gel is alcohol-based and flammable, so you shouldn't smoke while applying it.
- Divigel (Estradiol gel) can raise your risk of blood clots, which can be very dangerous. You're more likely to have them if you smoke tobacco, are obese, or if you or your family have ever had blood clots. Get medical care right away if you have pain in your legs or arms, bad headaches, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in your speech or vision.