Brand name:
Evista
Pronounced: Eve-IST-ah
Generic name:
Raloxifene hydrochloride
Why is Evista prescribed?
Evista is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, the
brittle-bone disease that strikes some women after menopause. A
variety of factors promote osteoporosis. The more factors that apply
to you, the greater your chances of developing the disease. These
factors include:
Caucasian or Asian descent
Slender build
Early menopause
Smoking
Drinking
A diet low in calcium
An inactive lifestyle
Osteoporosis in the family
Most important fact about Evista
Like estrogen, Evista reduces bone loss and increases bone
density. However, Evista does not have estrogen-like effects on the
uterus and breasts, and therefore is unlikely to increase the risk
of cancer, as estrogen therapy sometimes can do.
Although Evista has been shown to increase bone density over the
course of a two-year study, its longer-term ability to prevent bone
fractures has not yet been proven.
How should you use Evista?
Take Evista once daily, at any time, with or without food. Take
calcium and vitamin D supplements as well, if you do not get enough
in your diet. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Do weight-bearing exercises
to strengthen your bones.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never take a double dose.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Evista side effects
Evista has one very positive side effect: It lowers total
cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It does not affect HDL
("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
The unwanted side effects of Evista cannot be predicted. If any
develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as
possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue taking Evista.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
arthritis,
breast pain,
bronchitis,
chest pain,
depression,
diarrhea,
dizziness,
fever,
flu symptoms,
gas,
gynecological problems,
headache,
hot flashes,
increased cough,
indigestion,
infection,
insomnia,
joint pain,
leg cramps,
muscle ache,
nasal inflammation,
nausea,
rash,
sinusitis,
sore throat,
stomach and intestinal problems,
sweating,
swelling,
tendon soreness,
uterine discharge,
urinary tract infection,
vomiting,
weight gain
Why should Evista not be prescribed?
Evista is not for use by women who are--or could
become--pregnant. You should also avoid Evista if you have a
history of blood clot formation, including deep vein thrombosis
(blood clot in the legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the
lungs), and retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the retina of the
eye), since Evista increases the risk of clots. Avoid the drug, too,
if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Evista
Because of Evista's tendency to promote clots, you should not
take it during long periods of immobilization such as recovery from
surgery or prolonged bed rest, or for 72 hours beforehand. If you
are scheduled for surgery, make sure the doctor is aware that you
are taking Evista.
For the same reason, if you are going on a trip where your
movement will be restricted, make a point of periodically getting up
and walking around.
Evista is not needed prior to menopause and shouldn't be taken
until menopause has passed. It has not been studied in premenopausal
women and its use is not recommended.
Use Evista with caution if you have congestive heart failure, a
liver condition, or cancer. Be cautious, too, if you've had breast
cancer in the past; the drug's effect in this situation is unknown.
If you develop unusual uterine bleeding or breast problems while
taking Evista, tell your doctor immediately.
Evista will not cure hot flashes. (In fact, it may cause them.)
Nevertheless, never combine Evista with estrogen hormones.
If you've had a problem with high blood triglyceride levels when
taking estrogen, Evista may cause the same problem. However, it
tends to lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 11 percent.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Evista
If Evista is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Evista with the
following:
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Diazepam (Valium)
Diazoxide (Proglycem)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Evista can harm a developing baby. Do not use if you are or may
become pregnant. Also avoid breastfeeding while taking Evista.
Recommended dosage for Evista
POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Overdosage
There have not been any reports of overdose with Evista. However,
any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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