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Compare Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

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

Key takeaways

Alendronate (Fosamax) and tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and treat osteoporosis by slowing bone breakdown, while tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Alendronate is taken either daily or weekly and comes in various forms, including tablets and oral solutions. In contrast, tamoxifen is usually taken once a day as an oral tablet. Common side effects of alendronate include stomach pain and heartburn, whereas tamoxifen often causes hot flashes and swelling in the arms and legs. Additionally, tamoxifen has a risk of causing uterine cancer and blood clots, while alendronate can lead to serious jaw problems and lower calcium levels. Both medications require careful adherence to dosing instructions and monitoring for side effects.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

  • Summary of Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

    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

    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 Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

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

    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
    •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 Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

    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
    •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 Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

    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
    •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 Fosamax vs. Nolvadex

    Learn more about Alendronate
    Learn more about Tamoxifen

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