About Evista
The information below about Evista should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Evista.
Evista is prescribed for women who have been through menopause who are at risk for or who have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become thin, brittle, and likely to break. Although men can get the disease as they age, it is far more common in older women.
Evista is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Invasive breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that is more likely to metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, lymph nodes, and brain. It does not, however, prevent the recurrence of this type of breast cancer, and it is not used as a treatment for breast cancer.
The drug is classed as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means that it performs the function of the female hormone estrogen in the body. In young women, estrogen acts as a protector of bone tissue, keeping it strong and dense. Women lose estrogen as they go through menopause, and Evista acts as estrogen would to strengthen existing bone tissue and protect against bone loss. Similarly, Evista protects against invasive breast cancer by acting as estrogen would in the breast tissue to inhibit tumor formation and growth.
The medication should be taken once a day, in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplements, as directed by the prescribing physician. Patients should also be aware that other medications may interact with Evista. These medications include Valium, blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications and cholesterol lowering medications, such as Questran and Colestid.
| Form: |
Tablet taken orally |
| Strength: |
60 mg tablet. |
| Storage: |
At room temperature, in its original tightly-sealed container, away from heat and light, not in the bathroom, and out of reach of children and pets. |
| Contraindications: |
People who have a history of blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Women who can still become pregnant (Evista may cause birth defects). |
| Generic Name: |
Raloxifene |
What is Raloxifene?
Raloxifene is the generic form of Evista and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Raloxifene.
