Compare Prolia vs. Evista

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

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Prolia (Denosumab)

Prescription only

Evista (raloxifene)

Prescription only
Prevents bone loss.

Prolia (Denosumab) is an effective and convenient treatment for osteoporosis if other options haven’t worked or aren’t appropriate for you. There’re risks of some rare side effects, so make sure you're following up with your doctor regularly.

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3.6/ 5 average rating with 15 reviewsforProlia
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
  • Prolia (Denosumab) is effective at preventing bone loss, making your bones stronger and lowering your chance of getting a fracture.
  • Only need to get an injection every 6 months, so you don’t have to remember to take something every 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
  • Approved for women only after they’ve reached menopause. Don’t use this if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • Can lower blood calcium levels. You might need to take calcium supplements to prevent this.
  • Not available as a generic.
  • 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
  • Injection
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$2269.30
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Lowest price
$64.28
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Reviews
15 reviews so far
33%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
27possible side effects
  • Back pain
    35%
  • Pain in extremity
    12%
  • Musculoskeletal pain
    8%
  • Hypercholesterolemia
    7%
  • Cystitis
    6%
  • Vertigo
    5%
  • Edema peripheral
    5%
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    5%
  • Sciatica
    5%
  • Pneumonia
    4%
  • Bone pain
    4%
  • Anemia
    3%
  • Angina pectoris
    3%
  • Abdominal pain upper
    3%
  • Myalgia
    3%
  • Insomnia
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Atrial fibrillation
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
    2%
  • Asthenia
    2%
  • Pharyngitis
    2%
  • Herpes zoster
    2%
  • Spinal osteoarthritis
    2%
  • Pruritus
    2%
  • Mortality
    2%
  • Adverse events
    2%
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
  • Leg bone fractures
    • Taking steroids
  • Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
  • Low calcium blood levels
    • Kidney problems
    • Not taking calcium supplements
    • Taking other medicines that can lower calcium blood levels
    • History of hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone)
  • Infection
    • Weak immune system
    • Taking medicines that block your immune system (such as transplant medications or steroids)
  • Problems in the jaw bone
    • Oral or dental surgery
    • Cancer diagnosis
    • Taking steroids or chemotherapy
    • Poor oral hygiene
  • Pain in the bones and muscles
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 Prolia (Denosumab)
Learn more about Evista (raloxifene)