Talking to Your Patients
Answers to questions your patients may have about hormone therapy (HT) with CombiPatch®.
Patients should know that CombiPatch is used during menopause to help reduce moderate to severe hot flushes. CombiPatch provides transdermal delivery that avoids first-pass hepatic metabolism, resulting in effective symptom relief with smaller daily doses as compared to oral therapy. This does not imply differences in safety or efficacy. What else you tell your patient about CombiPatch depends on which dosing regimen you have decided is appropriate for her.
The Continuous Combined Regimen With CombiPatch
The Continuous Combined regimen alone provides a steady supply of two hormones that help relieve symptoms. One of these, estrogen (estradiol), is maintained at a level that is normal for a certain stage of the menstrual cycle (early follicular development).
Many women experience irregular bleeding (“spotting”) during the first year of this type of hormone therapy. With CombiPatch, these episodes have been usually characterized as light and have generally decreased within the first six months of therapy. Patients often reach amenorrhea.
The Continuous Sequential Regimen With CombiPatch and Vivelle-Dot® (estradiol transdermal system)
This regimen provides varying levels of two hormones that help relieve symptoms. Because this cycle of hormones acts more like the menstrual cycle as a whole, women usually experience a predictable monthly bleed.
If you have chosen the Continuous Sequential regimen for your patient, you may wish to explain why this is the best choice for her (advantages of predictable monthly bleed).
To help your patients get started on their therapy, direct them to the Free Trial Offer on combipatch.com where they can download a voucher for their First Month Free.
During CombiPatch Therapy
When you ask about your patients' experience with CombiPatch therapy, consider asking specifically about irregular/breakthrough bleeding (the Continuous Combined regimen) or monthly bleeding (the Continuous Sequential regimen). Two CombiPatch dosing options are available (0.05/0.14 and 0.05/0.25 mg/day) if a greater progestin dose is desired.
For women interested in the source of the estrogen in their therapy, the estrogen (estradiol) in CombiPatch and Vivelle-Dot (estradiol transdermal system) is chemically synthesized from a plant source. This does not mean that they are safer or more effective than other hormone therapies.
Support and Information Resources for Your Patients
No matter where your patients are in their menopause journey—whether they are interested in learning more about menopause or looking for a hormone therapy that fits their individual needs—make sure they know about these helpful resources available to them.
Patients can visit the following Web sites to find supportive programs, resources, and the tools they need throughout their journey.
Doc & Diva
Are your patients looking for a different perspective during this transition time? Visit docdiva.com for candid conversations, laughs, and information about menopause.
Vivelledot.com
Patients can learn more about the #1 prescribed brand-name bioidentical estrogen therapy.*†
The North American Menopause Society
North America's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of women through an understanding of menopause
Menopause Information from the National Institutes of Health