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Compare Forteo vs. Nolvadex

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

Key takeaways

Teriparatide (Forteo) and tamoxifen (Soltamox, formerly Nolvadex) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different conditions. Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analog used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, men, and those with osteoporosis due to long-term corticosteroid use. It is administered as a daily injection. Tamoxifen, on the other hand, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer and to lower the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women. It is taken orally as a tablet or solution (Soltamox), usually once a day. While teriparatide is only available as a brand-name medication, tamoxifen is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of teriparatide include body pain and joint pain, whereas tamoxifen can cause hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Teriparatide can interact with digoxin (Lanoxin), while tamoxifen can interact with alcohol and many other medications. Additionally, teriparatide has a treatment limit of two years due to potential cancer risks, while tamoxifen is often taken for 5 to 10 years.

  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
  • Forteo (teriparatide)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

  • Summary of Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    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

    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It’s used to treat early stage and advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in males and females. It’s also used to lower the risk for breast cancer in females who have a higher risk for breast cancer. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is an oral tablet that's taken by mouth, usually once a day. Common side effects of this medication include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the arms and legs, which might lead to weight gain. Brand name Nolvadex is no longer available.

  • Indications of Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    Indications for
    •Osteoporosis in females who've gone through menopause (postmenopause)
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids
    Indications for
    •Metastatic HR+ breast cancer
    •Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
    •Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
    •Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk

  • Pros and Cons of Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    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
    •Usually taken once a day
    •Oral tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Might help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    Cons
    •Might raise your risk for blood clots, uterine cancer, and cataracts
    •Can’t take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Usually taken long term (at least 5 years)

  • Common Side Effects of Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    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
    •Hot flashes (up to 80%)
    •Vaginal discharge (up to 55%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (up to 32%)
    •Nausea (up to 26%)
    •Irregular or no monthly bleeding (up to 25%)
    •Vaginal bleeding (up to 23%)
    •Weight loss (23%)
    •Skin changes (19%)

  • Warnings of Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    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
    •Blood clots
    •Changes in the uterus and risk of uterine cancer
    •Eye problems
    •Liver problems
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Low platelet count (risk of bleeding)
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Forteo vs. Nolvadex

    Learn more about Forteo
    Learn more about Tamoxifen

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