Compare Actonel vs. Evista

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

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Actonel (risedronate)

Prescription only

Evista (raloxifene)

Prescription only
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.
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Used for
  • Post-menopausal osteoporosis
  • Breast cancer prevention
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$51.78
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Lowest price
$39.21
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Reviews
83 reviews so far
36%
saidit'sworth it
19%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
33possible side effects
  • Infection
    31%
  • Back pain
    28%
  • Joint pain
    24%
  • Accidental injury
    17%
  • Generalized pain
    14%
  • Constipation
    13%
  • Stomach pain
    12%
  • Traumatic bone fracture
    12%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    11%
  • High blood pressure
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    11%
  • Indigestion
    11%
  • Nausea
    11%
  • Headache
    10%
  • Bronchitis
    10%
  • Urinary tract infection
    10%
  • Sinus infection
    9%
  • Swelling in the arms or legs
    8%
  • Joint problems
    7%
  • Muscle pain
    7%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Depression
    7%
  • Rash
    7%
  • Cataracts
    7%
  • Stuffy or runny nose
    6%
  • Sore throat
    6%
  • Increased cough
    6%
  • Weakness
    5%
  • Neck pain
    5%
  • Chest pain
    5%
  • Bone pain
    5%
  • Sleep difficulty
    5%
  • Allergic reaction
    4%
See more detailed side effects
45possible side effects
  • Hot flashes
    25%
  • Joint pain
    16%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    15%
  • Infection
    11%
  • Stuffy nose
    10%
  • Difficulty breathing
    10%
  • Sinus infection
    10%
  • Headache
    9%
  • Increased cough
    9%
  • Nausea
    9%
  • Weight gain
    9%
  • Muscle pain
    8%
  • Sore throat
    8%
  • Leg cramps
    7%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    7%
  • Indigestion
    6%
  • Depression
    6%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    6%
  • Rash
    6%
  • Vaginal bleeding
    6%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Swelling
    5%
  • Fever
    4%
  • Tendon disorder
    4%
  • Vertigo
    4%
  • Chest pain
    4%
  • Arthritis
    4%
  • Bladder infection
    4%
  • Breast Pain
    4%
  • Sweating
    3%
  • Uterine disorder
    3%
  • Urinary tract disorder
    3%
  • Flatulence
    3%
  • Stomach and intestinal disorders
    3%
  • Stomach flu
    3%
  • Swelling in arms or legs
    3%
  • Pneumonia
    3%
  • Vaginal discharge
    3%
  • Endometrial disorder
    3%
  • Fainting
    2%
  • Stabbing nerve pain
    2%
  • Pink eye
    2%
  • Migraine
    2%
  • Inflamed vocal cords
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Actonel (risedronate)
Learn more about Evista (raloxifene)