Evista online

Item name:

Evista

Generic name:

raloxifene

Brand names:

Evista (Lilly)

Item info:

Raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (decreased density of bone mass) in postmenopausal women.

Drug class:

EVISTA® (raloxifene hydrochloride) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that belongs to the benzothiophene class of compounds. Raloxifene alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

Interactions:

Before taking raloxifene, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

•  cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid); 
•  the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin); or 
•  an estrogen or progesterone product such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with raloxifene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Side effects:

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking raloxifene and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• sharp pain in the legs;
• swelling of the legs;
• sudden chest pain;
• coughing up blood;
• changes in vision; or
• unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue to take raloxifene and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• leg cramps,
• muscle soreness,
• weight gain,
• sweating,
• hot flashes, or
• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription needed / OTC:

RX only

Dosage:

Take raloxifene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Raloxifene can be taken with or without food. Take raloxifene at the same time each day.

Your doctor may want you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you do not receive enough of these substances from your regular diet.

Weight-bearing exercise may also be helpful.

Contraindications:

Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of

•   blood clots; 
•  stroke; 
•  cancer; 
•  increased triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); or 
•  liver disease.

You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Raloxifene is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that raloxifene is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take raloxifene if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether raloxifene passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Storage:

Store raloxifene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Osteoporosis Medications

• Actonel
• Evista
• Fosamax