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Compare Fosamax vs. Evista

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and raloxifene (Evista) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work differently and have different uses. Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that slows bone breakdown and is available in both generic and brand forms. It can be taken daily or weekly and is also used to treat Paget's disease. Raloxifene (Evista), on the other hand, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that acts like estrogen in bones to prevent bone loss. It is also available as a brand-name and generic medication. It is taken once daily and also helps lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Alendronate (Fosamax) can cause stomach issues and serious jaw problems, while raloxifene (Evista) can lead to blood clots and hot flashes. Additionally, raloxifene (Evista) is not recommended for women who haven't gone through menopause or have a history of blood clots.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Raloxifene (Evista)
  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Raloxifene (Evista)

  • Summary of Fosamax vs. Evista

    Summary for Bisphosphonate
    Prescription only

    Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that prevents and treats osteoporosis. It works by slowing the breakdown of bones so that the body has a chance to build up more bone; this strengthens bones and lowers the risk of fractures. Alendronate (Fosamax) is taken by mouth, either daily or weekly dosing, depending on your dose. In addition to the tablet, it's also available as an oral solution and a dissolvable tablet (brand name Binosto). Some common side effects of alendronate (Fosamax) can include stomach pain, heartburn, and bone or muscle pain.

    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 Fosamax vs. Evista

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in females
    •Treatment of osteoporosis in males
    •Paget's disease
    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 Fosamax vs. Evista

    Pros and Const for Bisphosphonate
    Pros
    •Can be taken by males and females (unlike another bisphosphonate)
    •Option for daily or weekly dosing for osteoporosis
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes as a regular tablet, oral solution, or effervescent tablet
    Cons
    •Can't lie down for 30 minutes after you take it
    •Must take on empty stomach, can't eat for 30 minutes after a dose
    •Can cause serious jaw problems and severe muscle or joint pain
    •Has many stomach-related side effects
    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 Fosamax vs. Evista

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Muscle, bone, and joint pain (up to 4%)
    •Heartburn or indigestion (up to 4%)
    •Nausea (up to 4%)
    •Passing gas (up to 4%, more common with daily dose)
    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 Fosamax vs. Evista

    Common Side Effects for
    •Irritation and ulcers of the stomach and esophagus
    •Lower calcium levels
    •Muscle Pain
    •Jaw bone problems
    •Leg bone fractures
    •Not recommended in people with serious kidney problems
    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 Fosamax vs. Evista

    Learn more about Alendronate
    Learn more about Raloxifene

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