Activella
(estradiol / norethindrone)
Relieves menopause symptoms and lowers your risk of osteoporosis.
Our bottom line
Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) helps relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss. There can be many side effects, so it's important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and potential hassles of this drug before using it.
- Price before coupon$125.29
- Lowest price with coupon$21.5983% savings
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (estradiol / norethindrone)
Upsides
- Replaces estrogen in your entire body and relieves multiple symptoms of menopause.
- Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy.
- Improves mood, energy, and mental alertness for some people.
- Generic available, so cost is usually lower.
What to expect from estradiol / norethindrone, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- More potential side effects since Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) exposes your whole body to two hormones.
- Raises your risk of developing a stroke and blood clots.
- You may get irregular bleeding and spotting that can last a few months to a year.
- Should only use if you still have a uterus.
What to expect from estradiol / norethindrone, on one page
Download Fact SheetActivella (estradiol / norethindrone) is a combination pill that works to balance hormone changes in your body during and after menopause. Estradiol (an estrogen) reduces hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Norethindrone (a progestin) protects the uterus from damage.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (estradiol / norethindrone)
Used for
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and inflammation
- Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
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What to expect when you take Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) for Hot flashes
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Breast pain
- Headache
- Post-menopausal bleeding
- Nausea
- Upper airway infection
- Sinus infection
Side effect rates for Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
- Breast pain21%21%
- Headache17%17%18%18%
- Nausea10%10%
- Upper airway infection10%10%6%6%
- Post-menopausal bleeding10%10%3%3%
- Sinus infection7%7%
- Ovarian cyst7%7%
- Back pain3%3%3%3%
- Difficulty sleeping3%3%3%3%
- Accidental injury3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of estradiol / norethindrone.
People taking estradiol / norethindrone felt side effect more
People taking estradiol / norethindrone felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Using estrogen for more than 1 year
If you're taking Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) and have an intact uterus, you might have a higher risk of having endometrial cancer. Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign, so let your doctor know if you notice any unusual bleeding. Using medicines like Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) for more than a year can raise your risk. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you can take with Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) 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.
Common concerns from people taking Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) can raise your risk of blood clots, which can be very dangerous. Get medical care right away if you have pain or swelling in your legs or arms, severe headache, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in your speech or vision.