Compare Fosamax vs. Nolvadex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents bone loss.
Fosamax (alendronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 169 reviewsforFosamax
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
- First choice to treat osteoporosis
- Lowers your risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
- Available generic.
- Available as daily, weekly, or twice weekly dosing.
- Comes as a regular tablet, an oral solution, or effervescent tablet.
- 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
- Can harm your esophagus if you don't remain upright for 30 minutes after taking it.
- Not recommended for people who can't sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Can increase the risk of atypical fractures.
- Can cause bad heartburn or stomach problems.
- 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
- Pill
- Effervescent tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$227.80
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$1383.78
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Reviews
169 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
30%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fosamax (alendronate)?
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Side effects
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
- Irritation and ulcers to the stomach and esophagus
- Taking anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, and naproxen
- History of ulcers or stomach or esophageal conditions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Problems sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes
- Pain in the bones and muscles
- Problems in the jaw bone
- Oral or dental surgery
- Cancer
- Poor oral hygiene
- Prolonged use of Fosamax (alendronate)
- Leg bone fractures
- Low calcium in the blood
- 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