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Evista vs. Miacalcin

Raloxifene (Evista) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss) and lower the risk of breast cancer in women who've gone through menopause. This medication belongs to the drug class known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Raloxifene (Evista) is a tablet that's taken once a day. Side effects can include hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain.

• Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause (postmenopausal)
• Lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for breast cancer or who have osteoporosis

• Joint pain (16%)
• Flu-like symptoms (14%)
• Hot flashes (10%)
• Bronchitis (10%)
• Runny nose (10%)
• Cough (9%)
• Headache (9%)
• Nausea (8%)
• Sinus infection (8%)
• Leg cramps (7%)
• Diarrhea (7%)
• Swelling in the arms or legs (5%)

• Higher risk for blood clots and stroke
• High triglyceride levels
• Continue to monitor for breast cancer
• Interaction with warfarin (Coumadin)

Calcitonin salmon is a synthetic (man-made) hormone available as a nasal spray. It's used to treat osteoporosis in women who have already gone through menopause (postmenopause). The medication is typically taken once a day by alternating between nostrils each day. Common side effects include back pain and nose symptoms, like runny nose, irritation, and bleeding. The nasal spray used to be available under the brand name Miacalcin, but now only comes as a generic version.

• Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

• Runny nose (12%)
• Nose irritation, dryness, redness (11%)
• Back pain (5%)
• Joint pain (4%)
• Bloody nose (4%)

• Severe allergic reaction
• Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
• Nasal irritation
• Cancer