What is Evista used for?
RALOXIFENE reduces the amount of calcium lost from bones. It helps to prevent bone loss and increase normal healthy bone formation for patients with osteoporosis. It also blocks estrogen effects in the breasts and can be used to prevent certain types of the breast cancer.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Evista?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- cancer
- a history of blood clots
- low level of blood calcium
- heart failure
- high level of blood triglycerides
- liver diseases
- vitamin D deficiency
- an unusual or allergic reaction to raloxifene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Evista should be taken?
Raloxifene tablets are taken orally. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Evista?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Evista with the other medicine/food/etc?
- ampicillin
- thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
- herbal or dietary supplements like black cohosh or soy
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Evista?
Pay regular visits to your physician to undergo regular checks of your progress. Do not stop taking raloxifene except on your prescriber's advice.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking raloxifene. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
Exercise may also help to prevent bone loss. Discuss your exercise needs with your prescriber or health care professional.
Raloxifene can rarely cause blood clots. You should avoid long periods of bed rest while taking raloxifene. If you are going to have a surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking raloxifene. Raloxifene usage should be stopped at least 3 days before surgery. After the surgery, it should only be restarted after you are walking again. It should not be restarted while you still need long periods of bed rest.
Do not smoke while taking raloxifene. Smoking may also increase your risk of blood clots. Smoking can also decrease the effects of raloxifene on bone.
What side effects I might notice from this medicine?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- difficulty breathing
- leg pain or swelling
- skin rash, itching
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- difficulty sleeping
- fluid build-up
- hot flashes
- leg cramps
- muscle aches
- sinus pressure or drainage
- stomach or intestinal gas
- stomach pain
- sweating
- weight gain
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Evista?
Keep out of the children’s reach in a container that can not be opened by them.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.