Evista

What is Evista?

Evista reduces bone loss by affecting the cycle of bone breakdown and formation in the body.Evista can be used to treat or even prevent osteoporosis among postmenopausal women. Evista can also be used to reduce the likelihood of developing invasive breast cancer among postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis.Evista does not treat cancer and is not effective in treating breast cancer.

Side effects of Evista

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an Evista allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and/or swelling of your throat, face, lips, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience:

• Breast swelling, tenderness, or other changes;
• Signs of a Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness or slurred words (especially on one side), vision problems, and slurred speaking.
• Signs of a Blood Clot in the Lung: chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood;
• Signs of a deep blood clot: swelling, warmth, or redness on an arm or limb

Some of the common Evista side effects include:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps;
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
• Joint pain;
• Flu symptoms
• Increased sweating

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Contacting the FDA in regards to possible adverse events is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

If you've ever had a clot, it is not recommended that you take Evista.Evista may also increase the risk of strokes, which are fatal. The risk is higher if you suffer from coronary heart disease, have certain risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history.Although Evista is only for postmenopausal females, you should not use it if you're pregnant or nursing.

Before you take this drug

If you've ever had a blood clot of this type, then you should avoid taking Evista.Raloxifene is only for women who are no longer able to get pregnant. Raloxifene may harm an unborn child. Avoid using it if you're pregnant or could become pregnant.Do not breastfeed while taking Evista.Raloxifene increases your risk of strokes, which are fatal. Tell your doctor about:

• Heart problems include irregular heartbeats.
• A heart attack or stroke (including "mini-strokes");
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• If you smoke.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Evista will be safe for you:

• A blood clot.
• High triglycerides due to estrogen use
• Liver or kidney disease
• Endometriosis;
• Atypical vaginal bleeding
• If you haven't gone through the menopause,

How to take Evista?

Follow your doctor's instructions and take Evista only as directed. Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label.Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating.You will need to stop Evista 3 days in advance if you are going to be undergoing major surgery or if you plan on being bedridden for a long time. It may be impossible to restart your medicine until you have regained some level of activity. Inform any doctor or surgeon that treats you about the medicine you are taking.Evista is part of a comprehensive treatment program that could also include diet and exercise changes, testing for bone mineral density, and calcium and vitamin D supplements. You should follow your doctor's advice.Regularly, your doctor should monitor your progress. Monthly, self-examine breasts to look for lumps. Also, have mammograms.Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for osteoporosis:

Take 60 mg of fluoxetine orally every day.
Comments:
If daily calcium intake is insufficient, patients should be advised to take vitamin D and/or calcium supplements.
The optimal duration of treatment for this drug to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer is unknown.
Uses:
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis among postmenopausal females
Reduced risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk for invasive cancer

Adult dose for prevention of osteoporosis:

Take 60 mg of fluoxetine orally every day.
Comments:
If daily calcium intake is insufficient, add vitamin D or calcium supplements to the patient's regimen.
The optimal duration of treatment for this drug to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer is unknown.
Uses:
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis among postmenopausal females
Reduced risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk for invasive cancer

Adult dose for prevention of breast cancer:

Take 60 mg of fluoxetine orally every day.
Comments:
If daily calcium intake is insufficient, add vitamin D or calcium supplements to the patient's regimen.
The optimal duration of treatment for this drug to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer is unknown.
Uses:
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis among postmenopausal females
Reduced risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk for invasive cancer

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Refill your prescription before you run out.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor if you are taking calcium supplements. Calcium supplements that are higher than the recommended dose will not protect your bones and can cause side effects such as kidney stones.While taking Evista, avoid sitting for extended periods during your travels.This medicine may pass into bodily fluids (urine, feces, or vomit). Rubber gloves should be worn by caregivers when cleaning up the body fluids of a patient, changing diapers, or handling contaminated laundry or trash.Hands should always be washed before and after taking off gloves.Separately, wash soiled linens and clothing.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Cholestyramine;
• Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven);
• Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills

This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with raloxifene. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.