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Reclast vs. Nolvadex

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

Key takeaways

Reclast (zoledronic acid) and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Reclast is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease, and it is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically once a year or every two years. In contrast, Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, and it is taken orally, usually once a day. Reclast works by slowing down bone breakdown to increase bone strength, while Tamoxifen blocks estrogen from acting on breast cancer cells to stop their growth. Common side effects of Reclast include joint pain, fever, and headache, whereas Tamoxifen often causes hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the arms and legs. Additionally, Tamoxifen has a risk of causing uterine cancer and blood clots, while Reclast can lead to severe jaw problems and kidney damage. Both medications have generic forms available.

Reclast

(zoledronic acid)

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Tamoxifen

(Nolvadex)

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Summary for Reclast

Prescription only

Reclast (zoledronic acid) is used to treat osteoporosis. It's only available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that's given at a clinic or your provider's office. The medication is an option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who can't take bisphosphonates by mouth or for those at very high fracture risk. Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a long-lasting medication, so the dosing isn't often (either one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years). It can cause side effects like muscle and joint pain, headache, and fever. This medication is available under the brand name Reclast and as a generic.

Indications for Reclast

Pros and Cons for Reclast

Pros

  • Lowers the risk of fractures in different parts of the body, including the hip and back
  • Infusions are one-time only, once a year, or once every 2 years
  • Can freely choose when to eat, drink, or take other medications
  • Can use if you can't take other bisphosphonates because of trouble swallowing or too much stomach pain
  • Can consider using for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who have very high fracture risk

Cons

  • Only available as an IV infusion that's given at a clinic or provider's office
  • Risk of many side effects, including joint or muscle pain and severe jaw problems
  • Risk of side effects like fever, pain, and chills after each infusion
  • Might cause breathing problems in people allergic to aspirin

Common Side Effects for Reclast

  • Joint pain (up to 24%)
  • Fever (up to 18%)
  • Higher blood pressure (up to 13%)
  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Muscle pain (up to 12%)
  • Arm or leg pain (up to 11%)
  • Arthritis (up to 9%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 9%)
  • Dizziness (up to 8%)
  • Shoulder pain (up to 7%)
  • Bone pain (up to 6%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 6%)
  • Vomiting (up to 5%)

Warnings for Reclast

  • Breakdown of the jaw (osteonecrosis)
  • Low calcium in the blood
  • Kidney damage
  • Leg bone fractures
  • Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
  • Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Nolvadex

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 for Nolvadex

Pros and Cons for Nolvadex

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 for Nolvadex

  • 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 for Nolvadex

  • 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 Reclast vs. Nolvadex

Price Card Drug Icon
Zoledronic Acid1 vial / 5ml of 4mg/5ml
$17.68-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tamoxifen90 tablets / 20mg
$41.24$209.47
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