What is Dotti: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jun 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Dotti is a brand-name estradiol transdermal system (skin patch). The active ingredient is a female estrogen hormone that relieves menopausal symptoms and helps prevent osteoporosis. The patch can only be purchased with a prescription. Estradiol therapy has significant risks, so treatment may not be safe in some cases.

Dotti overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Dotti

Generic Names:

  • Estradiol

Uses:

  • Treats hot flashes and vaginal problems during menopause. Also treats low estrogen levels and prevents osteoporosis after menopause and low estrogen in pre-menopausal women.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Estrogen

Forms:

  • Patch

How it’s taken:

  • Absorbed through the skin

What is Dotti used for?

Dotti treats vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women and helps prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. The FDA has also approved Dotti as a treatment for low estrogen in pre-menopausal women.

What form(s) does Dotti come in

  • Patch

    • 0.025 mg/day

    • 0.0375 mg/day

    • 0.05 mg/day

    • 0.075 mg/day

    • 0.1 mg/day

What are common Dotti doses?

  • For vasomotor or vaginal symptoms of menopause: 0.025 mg–0.1 mg/day patch applied to the skin twice weekly

  • For the prevention of bone loss after menopause: 0.025 mg/day patch applied to the skin twice weekly

  • For hypoestrogenism in premenopausal women: 0.025 mg–0.1 mg/day patch applied to the skin twice weekly

Find more detailed information about Dotti dosage, forms, and strengths here.

Common Dotti prescriptions

  • Dotti
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.025mg/24 hr box

  • Dotti
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.0375mg/24 hr box

  • Dotti
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.05mg/24 hr box

  • Dotti
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.075mg/24 hr box

  • Dotti
    1 box (8 twice weekly patches), 0.1mg/24 hr box

  • Dotti
    packet (1 twice weekly patch), 0.05mg/24hr packet

  • Dotti
    packet (1 twice weekly patch), 0.075mg/24hr packet

  • Dotti
    packet (1 twice weekly patch), 0.0375mg/24hr packet

  • Dotti
    packet (1 twice weekly patch), 0.1mg/24hr packet

How to take Dotti

  • Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

  • Please read and follow the Patient Information and Instructions for Use package inserts. 

  • Replace the patch twice a week on the same days each week.

  • Remove the old patch before applying a new patch.

  • Apply Dotti patches to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttocks.

  • Do not apply patches to skin that is irritated, injured, oily, or rash-covered.

  • Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Wait at least one week before applying a patch to a site previously covered by a patch.

  • To apply a patch:

    • Wash and dry your hands.

    • Clean and dry the skin before applying a patch.

    • Tear open the protective pouch at the notch.

    • Hold the patch so that the protective liner faces the skin. 

    • Remove half the protective liner from the patch. 

    • Attach the uncovered sticky half of the patch to your skin.

    • Firmly press the patch on the skin.

    • Remove the rest of the liner while pressing the other half of the patch onto the skin.

    • Press down on the entire patch for 10 seconds.

    • Rub a finger around the edge to make sure the edges are sealed.

  • You may take a bath, shower, or swim while wearing a patch.

  • If a patch falls off, reattach it.

    • If you can’t reattach it, apply a new patch as soon as possible.

  • To dispose of a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky side together and dispose of it in a childproof and pet-proof container. Do not flush the patch down the toilet. 

  • Store Dotti patches in their protective pouches at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Dotti

  • Replace the patch as soon as it’s remembered. 

  • Apply the next patch on the day it’s scheduled.

  • Do not use two patches to make up for a missed dose.

Dotti contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen, are pregnant, or have: 

    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor

    • Any current or past hormone-dependent cancer such as breast or uterine cancer

    • Any current or past blood clot problem including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)

    • Any current or past stroke or heart attack

    • Liver disease

Dotti warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Dotti treatment requires regular doctor’s visits to assess treatment, monitor for side effects, and determine if the treatment should continue. Keep all appointments.

  • Before starting Dotti, tell the prescriber if you have:

    • Unusual vaginal bleeding

    • Kidney problems

    • Liver problems

    • Heart problems

    • Any past problems with blood clots or stroke

    • Bleeding disorders

    • Asthma

    • Diabetes

    • Migraines

    • Endometriosis

    • Lupus

    • Seizures

    • High calcium levels

    • A hereditary disorder that causes face and throat swelling (hereditary angioedema)

  • When taking Dotti, immediately tell the prescriber if you are:

    • Pregnant or think you’re pregnant

    • Breastfeeding

    • About to have surgery

  • Estradiol hormone replacement treatment increases the risk of:

    • Heart attack, stroke, and other problems

    • Blood clots

    • Breast cancer

    • Uterine cancer (when used alone)

    • Dementia

    • Gallbladder problems

  • Estradiol can cause serious side effects including:

    • Liver problems

    • Underactive thyroid

    • Fluid retention

    • High calcium

    • Vision changes

    • High blood pressure

    • High blood sugar

    • High cholesterol

    • High triglycerides

    • Uterine fibroid enlargement

  • Estradiol can worsen some pre-existing conditions, particularly:

    • Migraines

    • Asthma

    • Diabetes

    • Seizure disorders

    • Lupus

    • Porphyria

Dotti interactions

  • To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:

    • Other female hormones

    • Thyroid hormones

    • Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, rifampin, ritonavir

  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when wearing Dotti patches.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • The estradiol in Dotti can affect the results of many types of important blood tests.

Dotti side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

  • Breast lumps, breast discharge

  • Vision changes

  • Severe chest pain, shortness of breath

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, pain in your chest or leg (calf), weakness, fatigue

  • Sudden or severe headaches, numbness or weakness (on one side of the body), trouble speaking, trouble walking

  • Memory loss, confusion

  • Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face, lips, mouth, or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Headache

  • Breast tenderness

  • Nasal or sinus problems

  • Sinus headache

  • Infections of the upper respiratory tract

  • Back pain

  • Depression

  • Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting

  • Skin redness or irritation at the application spot 

Find more detailed information about estradiol side effects here.

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