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Prolia vs. Evista

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.

• 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

• 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%)

• 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)

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.

• 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

• 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%)

• Higher risk for blood clots and stroke
• High triglyceride levels
• Continue to monitor for breast cancer
• Interaction with warfarin (Coumadin)