Evista (raloxifene) is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Why have I been prescribed Evista?

Evista (raloxifene) is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

How does it work?

  • When a woman reaches the menopause, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen goes down. Evista mimics some of the helpful effects of oestrogen after the menopause.

When and how do I take it?

  • It does not matter what time of day you take your tablet but taking the tablet at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. You may take it with or without food.
  • The tablets are for oral use.
  • Swallow the tablet whole. If you wish you may take a glass of water with it.

What’s the dose?

  • The dose is one tablet a day.

Could it interact with other tablets?

  • Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
  • If you are taking digitalis medicines for your heart or anticoagulants like warfarin to thin your blood, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of these medicines.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking cholestyramine which is mainly used as lipid-lowering medicine.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, EVISTA can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. The majority of side effects seen with EVISTA have been mild.

The most common side effects (affects more than 1 user in 10) are:

Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 100) are:

  • Leg cramps
  • Swelling of hands, feet and legs (peripheral oedema)
  • Gallstones

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Raloxifene hydrochloride. Always ask your pharmacist/doctor however as other tablets you are taking may have a bearing on whether you can drink alcohol or not.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

  • Evista is for use only by postmenopausal women and must not be taken by women who could still have a baby. Evista could harm your unborn child.
  • Do not take Evista if you are breast-feeding as it might be excreted in mother's milk.


If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note
: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms/evista

http://www.drugs.com/evista.html

http://www.rxlist.com/evista-drug.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/raloxifene/article.htm

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm088593.pdf


 

Health Reference: Osteoporosis