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Compare Prolia vs. Evista

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

Key takeaways

Prolia (denosumab) and Evista (raloxifene) are both used to treat osteoporosis, but they work differently and have different uses. Prolia is a monoclonal antibody given as an injection every six months, while Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) taken as a daily tablet. Prolia is also used for bone loss in people taking certain cancer medications, whereas Evista can lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Prolia requires regular calcium and vitamin D supplements and can cause low calcium levels, while Evista can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Prolia is not safe during pregnancy, and Evista is not recommended for women who haven't gone through menopause. Both medications have their own side effects, with Prolia potentially causing back pain and muscle pain, and Evista causing hot flashes and joint pain.

Prolia (denosumab)
Raloxifene (Evista)
Prolia (denosumab)
Raloxifene (Evista)
Summary of Prolia vs. Evista
Summary for Monoclonal antibody
Prescription only
Prolia (denosumab) is an injection that's used to treat osteoporosis in adults at high risk of fracture. It's also for those at high risk of fractures from certain cancer medications. It works as a monoclonal antibody called a RANKL inhibitor to strengthen your bones. Prolia (denosumab) is a convenient option because you only need an injection every 6 months. It's injected under the skin by a healthcare professional at a medical office. Side effects include back and muscle pain. It also has a risk of causing dangerously low calcium levels.
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 Prolia vs. Evista
Indications for

•Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause and at high risk of fracture

•Osteoporosis in men at high risk of fracture

•Osteoporosis caused by steroid medications in people at high risk of fracture

•Bone loss in men at high risk of fracture taking certain medications for prostate cancer

•Bone loss in women at high risk of fracture taking certain breast cancer medications

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 Prolia vs. Evista
Pros and Const for Monoclonal antibody
Pros

•Works well at preventing bone loss, which lowers your risk of breaking a bone

•Only given once every 6 months, which is less often than most other osteoporosis medications

•An alternative option for people who can't take bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax)

•A good option for postmenopausal women at very high risk of fractures

Cons

•Must go to the medical office to get the injection

•Must take with calcium and vitamin D supplements

•Can cause bone and muscle pain

•Not safe during pregnancy

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 Prolia vs. Evista
Common Side Effects for

•Back pain (35%)

•Pain in the arm or leg (12%)

•Muscle, bone, or joint pain (up to 8%)

•High cholesterol levels (7%)

•Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of a bladder infection (6%)

•Sensation that the room is spinning (5%)

•Swelling in the hands or feet (5%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)

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 Prolia vs. Evista
Common Side Effects for

•Dangerously low calcium levels

•Risk of fractures in the thigh bone

•Risk of spine fractures after stopping Prolia (denosumab)

•Risk of serious infections

•Risk of problems in the jawbone

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Severe bone, muscle, or joint pain

•Don't take with Xgeva (denosumab)

Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk for blood clots and stroke

•High triglyceride levels

•Continue to monitor for breast cancer

•Interaction with warfarin (Coumadin)
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Compare Prolia vs. Evista

Key takeaways

Summary of Prolia vs. Evista

Indications of Prolia vs. Evista

Pros and Cons of Prolia vs. Evista

Common Side Effects of Prolia vs. Evista

Warnings of Prolia vs. Evista

Prices with our coupons for Prolia vs. Evista

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