Compare Actonel vs. Evista
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents bone loss and fracture.
Actonel (risedronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle.
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2.9/ 5 average rating with 83 reviewsforActonel
Prevents bone loss and lowers your risk of invasive breast cancer.
Evista (raloxifene) helps to reduce bone loss and lower the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women, but it can cause blood clots.
Upsides
- Actonel (risedronate) is one of the first choice medicines used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Can take tablet form once or twice a month, once a week, or once a day.
- Evista (raloxifene) is a good choice for prevention of bone loss for postmenopausal women. Evista (raloxifene) can also reduce your risk for invasive breast cancer.
- Unlike bisphosphonates, Evista (raloxifene) is easier on your stomach.
- Although Evista (raloxifene) acts like estrogen, it doesn't increase the chances of uterine or breast cancer.
- If you are having hot flashes, Evista (raloxifene) may help relieve them, unlike some alternatives.
Downsides
- Need to take Actonel (risedronate) on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with a full glass of water.
- Requires the person taking this medicine to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it, which can be a problem for those who have trouble sitting or standing.
- Evista (raloxifene) can cause side effects similar to estrogen such as clots and hot flashes, which doesn't happen with bisphosphonate alternatives like Fosamax (alendronate).
- Premenopausal women cannot take Evista (raloxifene) for breast cancer prevention.
- It is not the first choice treatment for osteoporosis unless you cannot take bisphosphonates.
- Your doctor may ask you to take this medicine for years to prevent bone loss.
- If you are on a blood-thinner called warfarin, you may need to do a blood test before starting this medicine.
Used for
- Post-menopausal osteoporosis
- Breast cancer prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$55.12
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$39.29
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Reviews
83 reviews so far
36%
saidit'sworth it
19%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Actonel (risedronate)?
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Side effects
33possible side effects
- Infection31%
- Back pain28%
- Joint pain24%
- Accidental injury17%
- Generalized pain14%
- Constipation13%
- Stomach pain12%
- Traumatic bone fracture12%
- Flu-like symptoms11%
- High blood pressure11%
- Diarrhea11%
- Indigestion11%
- Nausea11%
- Headache10%
- Bronchitis10%
- Urinary tract infection10%
- Sinus infection9%
- Swelling in the arms or legs8%
- Joint problems7%
- Muscle pain7%
- Dizziness7%
- Depression7%
- Rash7%
- Cataracts7%
- Stuffy or runny nose6%
- Sore throat6%
- Increased cough6%
- Weakness5%
- Neck pain5%
- Chest pain5%
- Bone pain5%
- Sleep difficulty5%
- Allergic reaction4%
45possible side effects
- Hot flashes25%
- Joint pain16%
- Flu-like symptoms15%
- Infection11%
- Stuffy nose10%
- Difficulty breathing10%
- Sinus infection10%
- Headache9%
- Increased cough9%
- Nausea9%
- Weight gain9%
- Muscle pain8%
- Sore throat8%
- Leg cramps7%
- Diarrhea7%
- Stomach pain7%
- Indigestion6%
- Depression6%
- Difficulty sleeping6%
- Rash6%
- Vaginal bleeding6%
- Vomiting5%
- Swelling5%
- Fever4%
- Tendon disorder4%
- Vertigo4%
- Chest pain4%
- Arthritis4%
- Bladder infection4%
- Breast Pain4%
- Sweating3%
- Uterine disorder3%
- Urinary tract disorder3%
- Flatulence3%
- Stomach and intestinal disorders3%
- Stomach flu3%
- Swelling in arms or legs3%
- Pneumonia3%
- Vaginal discharge3%
- Endometrial disorder3%
- Fainting2%
- Stabbing nerve pain2%
- Pink eye2%
- Migraine2%
- Inflamed vocal cords2%
Risks and risk factors
- Irritation and ulcers in the stomach and esophagus
- History of ulcers, or other stomach or esophageal problems
- History of difficulty swallowing
- Unable to sit upright or stand for 30 minutes after taking the medicine
- Pain in the bones and/or muscles
- Problems in the jawbone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood
- History of low calcium in the blood
- Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
- History of blood clots or stroke
- History of heart disease
- Long-distance travel
- Major surgery
- Prolonged immobilization
- Smoking
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Premenopausal women
- Breast cancer
- History of breast cancer
- Overdose
- History of liver disease
- History of kidney disease
- Taking estrogen