Compare Forteo vs. Nolvadex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents bone loss.
Forteo (Teriparatide) is a good second-choice medication to treat bone loss, but it's only available as an injectable.
Lowers risk of and treats breast cancer.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is an effective, first-line option for certain types of breast cancers, but it has many severe side effects and needs a lot of monitoring.
Upsides
- If you're unable to use bisphosphonates or are still having fractures despite being on other medications, Forteo (Teriparatide) can be a good alternative.
- You can start using Forteo (Teriparatide) as soon as you stop using bisphosphonates.
- In studies, postmenopausal women who were at high risk for breast cancer took Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for 5 years and lowered their risk by about 50%.
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is the only medicine approved to lower risk of breast cancer regardless of menopausal status. Other medicines are approved only for postmenopausal women.
- Effective in treating metastatic breast cancer in men and women.
- Available in both tablets and a sugar-free solution.
Downsides
- Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.
- You have to inject this every day, so it may not be a good option if you don't like needles.
- Shouldn't take this longer than 18 to 24 months since it can increase the risk of bone cancers.
- If you're taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) to lower your risk for breast cancer, it can raise your risk of having a stroke or getting a blood clot, especially if you have a history of blood clots or you're currently taking a blood thinner, like warfarin. Tell your doctor about any health conditions before you start taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen).
- Can raise the risk of fractures in premenopausal women.
- There are many drug interactions, including antidepressants and other chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
- Requires regular blood tests and doctor exams to monitor for side effects.
- Not the best choice if you have eye or liver problems.
Used for
- Breast cancer (treatment and prevention)
- Infertility
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$4257.74
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$1382.28
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
The Forteo (Teriparatide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
21possible side effects
- Hot Flashes65%
- Flush33%
- Fluid Retention32%
- Vaginal Discharge30%
- Nausea26%
- Irregular Menses25%
- Weight Loss (>5%)23%
- Skin Changes19%
- Amenorrhea16%
- Altered Menses13%
- Oligomenorrhea9%
- Bone Pain6%
- Menstrual Disorder6%
- Thrombocytopenia5%
- Cough/Coughing4%
- Edema4%
- Fatigue4%
- Muscoloskeletal Pain3%
- Pain3%
- Ovarian Cyst(s)3%
- Depression2%
Risks and risk factors
- Malignant tumor of the bone
- Paget's bone disease
- Young people with open epiphyses
- High calcium blood levels
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Kidney stones
- History of kidney stones
- Positional low blood pressure
- Drug interactions
- Digoxin use
- Serious and life-threatening events
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Increased risk of vision changes
- Worsening liver function
- Current liver problems
- Blood disorders