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Compare Forteo vs. Evista

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Forteo (teriparatide) and Evista (raloxifene) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Forteo is a parathyroid hormone analog that you inject once a day, and it helps build bone by mimicking the hormone your body naturally makes. It's available as a brand and generic medication and is typically used for people at very high risk of fractures. On the other hand, Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that you take as a daily pill. It acts like estrogen in your bones to prevent bone breakdown and also helps lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Evista is also available in generic form. While Forteo can only be used for up to 2 years due to potential cancer risks, Evista can be taken long-term as long as it continues to be effective. Forteo's common side effects include body pain and dizziness, whereas Evista can cause hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots.

  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Raloxifene (Evista)
  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Raloxifene (Evista)

  • Summary of Forteo vs. Evista

    Summary for Parathyroid hormone analog
    Prescription only

    Forteo (teriparatide) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss or weakening). It's for people who are at very high fracture risk or people who've already tried other osteoporosis medications. Forteo (teriparatide) is an injection that you give to yourself once a day. Some common side effects include general body pain and joint pain. This medication comes as a prefilled pen, but it doesn't come with pen needles. Forteo (teriparatide) is only available as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

    Summary for Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
    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 of Forteo vs. Evista

    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in females who've gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
    Indications for
    •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 of Forteo vs. Evista

    Pros and Const for Parathyroid hormone analog
    Pros
    •Can use if you're unable to take or still getting fractures with other osteoporosis medications
    •A first-choice option for people at very high fracture risk (have had a fracture caused by osteoporosis before or have many risk factors for fracture)
    •Lowers the risk for back fractures and fractures in other parts of the body (not including the hip) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for most people with osteoporosis
    •Only available as an injection under the skin
    •Can only use for a total of 2 years throughout your entire life because of unclear risk for bone cancer with longer treatment
    Pros and Const for Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
    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 of Forteo vs. Evista

    Common Side Effects for
    •Body pain (21%)
    •Joint pain (10%)
    •Runny nose (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Body weakness (9%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •High blood pressure (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Forteo vs. Evista

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Kidney stones
    •Low blood pressure
    •Higher risk of side effects from digoxin (Lanoxin)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk for blood clots and stroke
    •High triglyceride levels
    •Continue to monitor for breast cancer
    •Interaction with warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Prices with our coupons for Forteo vs. Evista

    Learn more about Forteo
    Learn more about Raloxifene

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