How does Evista compare to tamoxifen?
Evista and tamoxifen, another SERM, have similar results in preventing invasive breast cancer. In the last decade, several studies investigated the effects of Evista and tamoxifen in more than 37,000 women. For instance, one study that involved more than 19,000 women at high risk of developing breast cancer found that both medications had similar results in reducing invasive breast cancer. Unlike tamoxifen, however, Evista was not shown to reduce noninvasive forms of breast cancer. Noninvasive forms include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Both Evista and tamoxifen may increase the risk of developing blood clots and strokes. Some findings suggest that Evista might be less likely to cause clots, pulmonary embolisms, and strokes than tamoxifen. But other studies say there is no difference. Both raloxifene and tamoxifen carry risks. Because of the possible side effects, you and your doctor should cautiously weigh the benefits and risks of using either
