Although Evista (generic name, raloxifene) is FDA-approved for the prevention of osteoporosis, the FDA has not approved Evista yet for the prevention of invasive breast cancer in post-menopausal women.[1] A recent clinical trial on prevention of breast cancer in post-menopausal women showed that Evista appears to cause fewer serious side effects than does Nolvadex (generic name, tamoxifen):[1, 2]
• Evista treatment resulted in a 36% lower risk of the side effect of uterine cancer in women who had not had a hysterectomy than did Nolvadex treatment. Previous studies on Evista have not demonstrated an increase in cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
• Evista treatment resulted in nearly 30% less life-threatening blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli) in major vessels than did Nolvadex treatment.
• Evista treatment resulted in 21% fewer cataracts and 18% fewer cataract surgeries than did Nolvadex treatment.
A similar incidence of coronary disease and bone fractures was observed in post-menopausal women treated with Evista or Nolvadex in the clinical trial.[2]
Also, women in clinical trials who took Evista or Nolvadex experienced hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or vaginal irritation.[3] Fewer hot flashes, problems with vaginal discharge, bladder complaints, other gynecologic side effects, and leg cramps occurred in women receiving Evista than those who received Nolvadex.
However, more side effects on bones and muscles, more incidence of pain during sexual intercourse, and a higher incidence of weight gain was observed in the Evista group, compared to the Nolvadex group in the STAR trial.[3]
REFERENCES
1. National Cancer Institute. STAR results: Raloxifene as effective as tamoxifen, better safety profile. NCI Cancer Bulletin. 2006; 3(16):1-2. Accessed at www.cancer.gov.
2. T. H. Maugh II. Drug lowers cancer risk, side effects. Los Angeles Times. 04/18/06.
3. Mayo Clinic. Chemoprevention: Drugs that can reduce breast cancer risk. 06/05/06. Accessed at www.mayoclinic.com.
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