raloxifene vs tamoxifen
Side-by-side comparison of raloxifene and tamoxifen Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Evista
Nolvadex
Raloxifene (Evista) is a medicine that can help treat and prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in women after menopause. It can also lower the chance of getting a certain type of breast cancer.
Tamoxifen (Soltamox) is a medicine that can treat breast cancer. It can also lower the chance of getting breast cancer in some people.
This medicine is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It can also lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in women after menopause who have osteoporosis or are at high risk of getting it. This medicine is not for treating breast cancer, lowering the risk of breast cancer coming back, or lowering the risk of non-invasive breast cancer.
This medicine is used to treat breast cancer that has spread in adults. It can also be used after surgery to help prevent breast cancer from returning in adults. Tamoxifen can also lower the risk of invasive breast cancer after breast surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Finally, it can lower the chance of getting breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
Raloxifene belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It works like estrogen in some parts of the body, such as bones, which helps to prevent bone loss. But it blocks estrogen's effects in other parts of the body, like the breast, which can help prevent certain types of breast cancer.
Tamoxifen belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue. This can help to stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
- • Hot flashes
- • Leg cramps
- • Swelling in your legs or feet
- • Flu-like symptoms
- • Joint pain
- • Hot flashes
- • Mood changes
- • Vaginal discharge
- • Vaginal bleeding
- • Nausea
- Feeling tired 143
- Joint pain 109
- Diarrhea 109
- Falling down 107
- Feeling sick to your stomach 106
- Tiredness 391
- Feeling sick to your stomach 337
- Loose stools 274
- Joint pain 271
- Cancer getting worse 249
Raloxifene can increase your risk of blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). If you have had blood clots in the past, you should not take this medicine. Raloxifene can also increase the risk of death from stroke in women who have heart disease or are at risk for heart problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking raloxifene if you are at risk for stroke.
Tamoxifen can cause serious and life-threatening problems, including cancer of the uterus, stroke, and blood clots in the lungs. Some cases have been fatal. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen, especially if you are at high risk for breast cancer or have DCIS. For most people already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks.
You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby. Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Tamoxifen can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before you start taking tamoxifen. Use effective birth control while taking tamoxifen and for several months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
How to Read This raloxifene vs tamoxifen Comparison
raloxifene is classified in the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) drug class, while tamoxifen sits within the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, raloxifene has 574 submissions while tamoxifen has 1,522. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between raloxifene and tamoxifen — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.