What is Raloxifene (Evista) used for?
Evista (raloxifene) is used by women to treat and prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. It helps slow down bone loss and helps in keeping bones strong which makes them less likely to break. Raloxifene can also lower the chance of contracting a certain kind of breast cancer after menopause. Evista is not an estrogen hormone, but it does act like estrogen in some parts of the body, such as your bones. In other parts of the body (breasts and uterus), raloxifene will act like an estrogen blocker. It does not relieve symptoms of menopause. Raloxifene belongs to the drug class called selective estrogen receptor modulators – SERMs. Raloxifene shouldn’t be used before menopause or to prevent heart disease.
Raloxifene (Evista) Information
Raloxifene (Evista) Warning?
Evista (raloxifene) may, in rare cases, cause serious blood clots, especially in the lungs and legs. Women who have had blood clots should not take raloxifene.
Women who have had a heart attack or are at risk for a heart attack should not take raloxifene as it may put them at an increased risk of a stroke. Before starting treatment with Evista, let your doctor know if you have or have had blood clots in your eyes/legs/lungs, a mini-stroke, stroke, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or heart disease.
How to Use Raloxifene (Evista)?
Read any medication information given to you when you start raloxifene and every time you refill it. If you have questions you can ask your doctor and pharmacist. Take Evista orally, with or without food, usually once daily as directed by your doctor. Take Evista regularly in order to fully benefit from it.
Take it at the same time daily to help you remember. Ensure you are getting enough vitamin D in your diet and consult with your pharmacist and doctor to decide whether you need vitamin D supplements. Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant shouldn’t handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablet as Evista can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and can harm a fetus.
Raloxifene (Evista) Drug Interactions?
Some medications may interact with each other. Some drugs should never be taken together, while some interactions can be mitigated through dosage changes.
Those suffering from osteoporosis will normally take calcium supplements, but if you use raloxifene you must be careful to take your doctor’s advice as calcium supplements may cause serious problems such as kidney stones.
Some medications that may interact with Evista are:
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Diazoxide (Proglycem)
This is not a complete list of medication interactions that could interact with Evista. Therefore you should always give your doctors and pharmacists a complete list of medications you take so that they can properly monitor for drug interactions. The list should include all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products.
If you have any questions about Evista or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists by calling 1-844-416-4282.