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Evista Vs. Boniva

In individuals age 50 and older, one out of two women and one out of four men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. Even though osteoporosis can occur at any age, bone loss occurs fastest in post-menopausal women, which is when Evista and Boniva are commonly prescribed. How do these two medicines compare?

  1. Osteoporosis

    • Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weak and porous and can break easily. It is characterized by low bone mass and deteriorated tissue. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and eight million of these are women.

    Evista

    • Evista is taken daily, with or without food, and at any time of the day. It is not a hormone or an estrogen, but it is called an estrogen agonist/antagonist. This means it works in your body two different ways. In bones, the medication mimics estrogen, which helps reduce bone loss, and in breasts, it blocks the effects of estrogen. This helps reduce the risks of breast cancer. It does not treat cancer already diagnosed.

    Boniva

    • Boniva is a drug that helps slow down the cells that aid in bone loss, and in many women, also helps reverse bone loss.Boniva is taken only once a month, instead of daily. It needs to be taken in the morning, with water and no food for an hour afterward. Women are not supposed to lie down for an hour after taking Boniva to reduce the risks of stomach and esophageal problems.

    Side Effects

    • Some side effects of Evista include a slightly higher risk of the formation of blood clots, hot flashes, leg cramps, joint pain and swelling. These do not happen in all women taking the medication, but are known side effects this medication may cause. Women who have a history of heart attack or stroke have a higher risk of stroke if they take Evista, so this should be discussed with your doctor prior to taking the medication.

      Boniva may cause trouble swallowing, heartburn, diarrhea and upset stomach. Women who have had kidney disease or low blood calcium levels should not take this medicine and need to discuss other options with their doctors.

    Comparison

    • While both Evista and Boniva are used to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women, Evista may reduce the risk of breast cancer, while Boniva may be easier to take due to its once a month dosing. For women who have trouble remembering their daily medications, this may be an added benefit of Boniva. If an individual cannot refrain from lying down after taking the medication, Evista may be a better option for her. Because there are risks and benefits with each of these medications, you should discuss them both with your doctor to see which one is best for you.

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