Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

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 a convenient option for treating osteoporosis because you only need one dose of the medication every 6 months. It's given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional (HCP), typically at their clinic or office. Prolia (denosumab) works well to strengthen your bones. But it can cause some common side effects, such as back or muscle pain. Prolia (denosumab) can also cause your blood calcium levels to drop dangerously low, so your HCP will order blood work regularly during treatment.

    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 females who've gone through menopause
    •Osteoporosis in males
    •Osteoporosis caused by certain steroid medications
    •Bone loss in males taking certain medications for prostate cancer
    •Bone loss in females 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 broken bones
    •Only given once every 6 months, which is less often than most other osteoporosis treatments)
    •A possible option for people who can't take first-choice medications for osteoporosis
    Cons
    •Must be taken with calcium and vitamin D supplements
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Can cause bone and muscle pain
    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 your arms and legs (12%)
    •Pain in your muscles, bones, joints, or nerves (up to 8%)
    •High cholesterol levels (8%)
    •Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of a bladder infection (6%)
    •Sensation that the room is spinning (5%)
    •Swelling in the hands and feet (5%)
    •Cough, sore throat, and other symptoms of an 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
    •Thigh bone fractures
    •Spine fractures after stopping Prolia (denosumab) treatment
    •Risk of serious infections
    •Problems in the jaw bone (osteonecrosis)
    •Serious allergic and skin reactions
    •Bone or muscle pain
    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 Prolia vs. Evista

    Learn more about Prolia
    Learn more about Raloxifene

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Actonel vs ProliaBoniva vs ProliaFosamax vs ProliaProlia vs CalcitoninProlia vs EvistaProlia vs ForteoProlia vs TymlosReclast vs ProliaCalcitonin vs ReclastClimara vs FosamaxEstradiol Patch vs MinivelleEvista vs CalcitoninEvista vs NolvadexEvista vs ReclastForteo vs CalcitoninForteo vs EvistaForteo vs NolvadexFosamax vs ActonelFosamax vs BonivaFosamax vs CalcitoninFosamax vs EstraceFosamax vs EvistaFosamax vs ForteoFosamax vs MinivelleFosamax vs NolvadexFosamax vs ReclastMinivelle vs ClimaraMinivelle vs DivigelReclast vs ActonelReclast vs Nolvadex
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.