Ciba's Vivelle
Executive Summary
Transdermal estrogen skin patch for moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms approved by FDA Oct. 28. The product was approved in four dosages: .0375, .05, .075, .1 mg per day delivered via a translucent patch attached to the abdomen or buttocks that is replaced twice per week. The active ingredient, 17-beta estradiol, is embedded in the adhesive. Ciba notes that the product allows for more flexible dosing than its other transdermal estrogen replacement product, Estraderm. In addition, Vivelle is thinner and has better adhesion than the earlier product. Unlike Estraderm, Vivelle is not indicated for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Vivelle was developed by Miami-Fla.- based Noven Pharmaceuticals. The product will be available in the U.S. in 1995