Evista

 Category: Women's Health

Generic name: Raloxifene

Evista tablets

What is Evista?

Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. The active ingredient in Evista is raloxifene which is dispensed as oral tablets (60mg).

Drug Uses

Evista is prescribed to prevent and treat the development of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. It is also prescribed to decrease the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. The active ingredient in Evista works by preventing the loss of bone density.

Evista is used to treat other medical conditions not listed in this information guide.

Dose

Evista must always be used as directed. Do not make adjustments to the dose before speaking to a doctor. Evista can be taken with or without food. Drink a glass of water with each dose. Doses should be taken at the same time every day.

To achieve maximum benefits, Evista should be used with a healthy diet that includes Vitamin D and calcium supplements, and regular exercise.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, it may be taken when you remember. However, do not take the missed dose near the time of the next scheduled dose. In this case, ignore the missed dose. Never double-up on a dose.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Evista if you are allergic to raloxifene.

Do not use Evista if you have suffered with a blood clot.

Before using Evista, tell your doctor if you have any of the following: a history of breast cancer, coronary artery disease, other heart disorders, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, high triglycerides, a history of mini-strokes, or if you pre-menopausal.

While it is unlikely that post-menopausal women will become pregnant, Evista can harm an unborn fetus and should therefore not be used by pregnant women. It is not known if Evista passes into breast milk so women who are breast-feeding should use Evista with caution, under directions of a doctor.

Before using Evista, you must give your doctor full details of your medical history and other medications that you use. These include herbal medicines and vitamin supplements. Evista can react badly with some medications.

If you are undergoing surgery, or for some reason require bed rest, you will have to discontinue using Evista 72 hours before the surgery, or bed rest, is scheduled. It is important that you inform the doctor who will perform the procedure that you are using Evista.

Possible Side-effects

Call for emergency assistance if any of the following symptoms of allergy occur: difficulty in breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.

Contact your doctor if any of the following serious side-effects occur: sudden headache, sudden weakness or numbness on one side your body, confusion, vision problems, speech problems, balance problems, sudden cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing, increased heart rate, swelling or pain in the leg, swelling of the feet or hands, chills, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms, body aches, breast tenderness or pain, lump in the breast, abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful or burning urination, or severe lower back pain.

Less serious side-effects can include headache, hot flashes, dizziness, joint pain, leg pain, nausea or vomiting, sweating, blocked or runny nose, or stomach pain.

Contact your doctor if any uncomfortable symptoms occur, or persist.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose with Evista can include dizziness and leg cramps. Call for emergency help if overdose is suspected.

Storage instructions

Evista must be kept away from children and stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture.