Brand name: Evista
( Raloxifene hydrochloride )
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
