Evista (Raloxifene)
Evista Information
Evista is a drug generically known as Raloxifene. Evista works by altering the bone formation and reduces bone breakdown in the body. The loss of bone tissue is also prevented by the action of Evista.
Evista Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking before taking Evista, especially:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin (warfarin)
- Colestid (colestipol)
- Medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (ERT or HRT) and Lidoderm or Xylocaine (lidocaine)
- Proglycem (diazoxide)
- Questran (cholestyramine)
- Valium (diazepam)
Evista Warnings
For some reasons, it is not advised that you take Evista if you are scheduled to undergo surgery. You have to temporarily cease taking Evista if you are to undergo surgery.
When deciding to take Evista, you have to inform your doctor first if you have been exposed or have been a victim or have had a history of the following diseases:
- Blood coagulation problems
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Significant increase in triglycerides
- Liver Malfunctions
If you have/had any of the above mentioned medical conditions, you may be advised that your dosage be lowered or a special monitoring be allotted to keep track of the medicine’s reaction in your body.
For pregnant women, Evista is a drug categorized under the pregnancy category X. This means that Evista is known drug to cause birth defects in babies especially on the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. In the case of breastfeeding mothers, it is not yet known whether the active ingredient of Evista which is Raloxifene is passed into the composition of breast milk. It is strongly advised though that you should weigh the decision to breast feed properly and thoroughly discuss it with your doctor.
If you are taking Evista, you should refrain from sitting still for long periods of time and traveling that would cramp space and prevent movements should also be avoided.
Pregnancy and Evista
Evista is given to postmenopausal women, so becoming pregnant during treatment is unlikely.
However, the medicine can cause birth defects, so you should tell your doctor right away if you're pregnant or might become pregnant.
It's not known whether Evista passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. Don't breastfeed while taking this drug.
Evista Intake Guidelines
Evista should be taken exactly as your doctor prescribed the intake. It can be taken with or without prior food intake.
Each dose of Evista must be taken at around the same time each day.
A good diet regimen should be observed when taking Evista to ensure its proper function. Your doctor may advise you to take supplements of Vitamin D and calcium if these substances cannot be sufficiently obtained from your regular diet.
Evista Dosage
Evista comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It's typically taken once a day with or without food.
The usual dose is 60 milligrams (mg).
Try to take this medicine around the same time each day.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less of the medicine than is recommended by your doctor.
Evista Overdose
Symptoms of an Evista overdose may include:
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash
- Loss of coordination
- Tremor
- Flushing
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Evista Missed Dose
Double doses of Evista are strictly not encouraged. And if you miss a dose it is best if you entirely skip that missed dose and proceed to the next one. However, you can take the missed dose if it is still many hours away from the next scheduled dose.
Evista Side Effects
Taking Evista may entail side effects as with any other medicines. Among the side effects related to the intake of Evista are:
- Allergic reactions (for patients who are allergic to the components of Evista)
- Pain in the legs
- Swelling of legs
- Abrupt chest pains
- Changes in vision
- Unexplainable vaginal bleeding
- Leg cramps
- Muscle soreness
- Weight gain and bloating
- Hot flashes
- Rashes
- Excessive sweating
Other side effects may also occur and they may not be mentioned here but if you experience side effects that are bothersome and intolerable immediately seek medical advice.
Evista Drug Reactions
Evista and these drugs may not work well if combined:
- Cholestyramine
- Colestipol
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants such as Warfarin
- Estrogen, Progesterone or any other hormonal medicines
You should talk this over with your doctor if you are taking any of the mentioned drugs.a
