What is Evista?

Evista contains the medication raloxifene and is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and can also be used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in those women who have osteoporosis or are at risk of invasive breast cancer.

How does Evista work?

Evista works by affecting the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, reducing loss of bone tissue. It slows down bone loss and helps to keep bones strong making them less likely to break. Raloxifene is not an estrogen hormone but acts like estrogen in your bones. In your uterus and breasts, raloxifene works like an estrogen blocker. Evista should not be used before menopause. 

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Evista should be taken orally and can be taken with or without food.
• Evista is usually prescribed to be taken once daily. You should not change or increase your Evista dosage unless advised to by a doctor.
• Evista is most effective when taken regularly. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.
• Raloxifene should be swallowed whole. It has a bitter taste so should not be crushed or chewed.
• Ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history especially of blood clots, stroke, mini-stroke, heart disease, heart attack, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, cancer or high blood fat caused by estrogen treatment.
• If you currently or have ever smoked.
• If you recently or will be having surgery. This may cause blood clots and you may need to take special precautions.
• If you will be confined to a bed or chair for an extended period of time such as on a long flight. This may cause blood clots and you may need to take special precautions.
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• Evista can be absorbed through the skin. Pregnant women should not handle this medication or breathe in dust from the tablets.
• Evista must not be used during pregnancy.

Common Evista side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Hot flashes/
• Leg cramps or joint pain.
• Swelling in your hands, feet or ankles.
• Increased sweating.
• Flu symptoms.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following raloxifene side effects:

• Swelling, tenderness or other changes to your breasts.
• Symptoms of a stroke such as vision problems, slurred speech or a sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body.
• Signs of a blood clot deep on the body such as swelling, warmth or redness in an arm or leg.
• Signs of a blood clot in the lung such as chest pain, breathing problems or coughing up blood.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Evista?

A: While taking Evista, you should avoid sitting for extended periods of time. If you take calcium supplements, you should not take more than your doctor has prescribed.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Evista?

A: If you miss a dose of Evista, you should take the missed medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.