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 breast cancer.

Evista (Raloxifene) is effective at reducing bone loss and lowering the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but does carry the risk of 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) doesn’t affect the breast or uterus the same way that estrogen does, so the risk of cancer is much lower.
  • Taking Evista (Raloxifene) with calcium and vitamin D improves spine and hip bone health and lowers the risk of fractures.
  • Lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
  • 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
  • Can only take Evista (Raloxifene) once you’re in menopause. You can't take it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Evista (Raloxifene) isn’t as effective as tamoxifen at lowering the risk of invasive breast cancer.
  • Shouldn’t take it with any other forms of estrogen (pills, patches, or injection).
  • It doesn’t increase bone strength as much as estrogen does and isn’t effective for treating hot flashes.
  • 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
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Nasal spray
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$30.80
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Lowest price
$38.40
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Reviews
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Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Any side effect
    25%
  • Peripheral edema
    14%
  • Muscle spasms/leg cramps
    12%
  • Hot Flashes
    8%
  • Cholelithiasis
    3%
  • Venous thromboembolic events
    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 stroke
    • History of stroke
    • Heart and blood vessel problems
    • History of mini stroke (TIA)
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Smoking
    • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • Elevated triglycerides (fats in blood)
    • History of high triglycerides
  • Worsening kidney or liver function
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)