Evista vs. Miacalcin for Osteoporosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Raloxifene

(Evista)

calcitonin salmon

Summary for Evista

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Evista

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

Pros and Cons for Evista

Pros

Can take at any time of day, with or without food
Lowers the risk of back fractures
Lowers the risk of invasive breast cancer in certain postmenopausal women
Doesn't have a known risk for uterine (endometrial) cancer

Cons

Not a first-choice option for osteoporosis
Has some serious risks, such as blood clots
Not approved for preventing breast cancer in women who haven't gone through menopause yet or who have a history of breast cancer
Not approved for treating breast cancer

Common Side Effects for Evista

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%)

Warnings for Evista

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

Summary for Miacalcin

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Miacalcin

Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)

Pros and Cons for Miacalcin

Pros

Only need to use it once a day
Can store a used bottle at room temperature for about a month
Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for postmenopausal osteoporosis
Can lead to low calcium levels
Might raise the risk of certain cancers

Common Side Effects for Miacalcin

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

Warnings for Miacalcin

Severe allergic reaction
Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
Nasal irritation
Cancer

Prices with our coupons for Evista vs. Miacalcin

Raloxifene90 tablets / 60mg

$37.49$334.12

Get free coupons

More Information

Calcitonin Salmon1 nasal spray / 3.7ml of 200iu/spray

$32.38$46.89

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Evista vs. Miacalcin

Key takeaways

Raloxifene

calcitonin salmon

Summary for Evista

Indications for Evista

Pros and Cons for Evista

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Evista

Warnings for Evista

Summary for Miacalcin

Indications for Miacalcin

Pros and Cons for Miacalcin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miacalcin

Warnings for Miacalcin

Prices with our coupons for Evista vs. Miacalcin

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Raloxifene

calcitonin salmon

Summary for Evista

Indications for Evista

Pros and Cons for Evista

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Evista

Warnings for Evista

Summary for Miacalcin

Indications for Miacalcin

Pros and Cons for Miacalcin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miacalcin

Warnings for Miacalcin