Compare Evista vs. calcitonin

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

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Evista (raloxifene)

Prescription only

Miacalcin (calcitonin)

Prescription only
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.

Treats high calcium levels and prevents bone loss.

Miacalcin (calcitonin) can be used for osteoporosis, but it is not a first choice because there are more effective medications available.

Upsides
  • 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.
  • Using the nasal spray causes fewer side effects than the injectable version.
  • Can help with bone pain if you've had a recent fracture.
  • Available in generic.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • Miacalcin (calcitonin) is not as effective as other medications used to stop bone loss or lower calcium levels.
  • You're at a higher risk for certain cancers while taking Miacalcin (calcitonin).
  • If you're allergic to fish, you might also be allergic to Miacalcin (calcitonin).
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Used for
  • Post-menopausal osteoporosis
  • Breast cancer prevention
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Nasal spray
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$39.21
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Lowest price
$27.63
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Reviews
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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
6possible side effects
  • Stuffy nose
    12%
  • Nose irritation
    11%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Joint pain
    4%
  • Bloody nose
    4%
  • Headache
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Allergic reaction
    • Allergy to fish
  • Seizures
    • Seizure history
    • Low calcium in blood
  • Nasal problems
    • Age 65 and above
  • Cancer
    • History of cancer
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Evista (raloxifene)
Learn more about Miacalcin (calcitonin)