Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM): Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 7 selective estrogen receptor modulator (serm) substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) on iMedic (7 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conbriza | Postmenopausal osteoporosis | Bazedoxifene selectively agonizes estrogen receptors in bone while antagonizing | 20 mg orally once daily |
| Evista | Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Breast cancer risk reduction | Selective estrogen receptor modulator with agonist effects on bone and antagonis | 60 mg once daily |
| Fareston | Metastatic breast cancer (ER-positive, postmenopausal) | Nonsteroidal triphenylethylene SERM that antagonizes estrogen receptors in breas | 60 mg once daily |
| Optruma | Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Breast cancer risk reduction | Raloxifene acts as estrogen agonist on bone and antagonist on breast/uterine tis | 60 mg once daily |
| Raloxifene | Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Reduction of invasive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women | Selectively activates estrogen receptors in bone while antagonizing them in brea | 60 mg once daily |
| Senshio | Vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women, Moderate to severe symptoms of menopause | Selective estrogen receptor modulator (ospemifene) acting as agonist on vaginal | 60 mg orally once daily |
| Tamoxifen | Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, Breast cancer prevention in high-risk women | Competitively binds estrogen receptors in breast tissue, blocking estrogen-media | 20 mg once daily |
About Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)?
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 7 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.