Evista
® (
raloxifene hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:
- Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Reducing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
- Reducing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for it.
Evista is made by Eli Lilly and Company.
Evista belongs to a group of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs have both estrogenic (estrogen-like) effects and anti-estrogen effects. Evista has anti-estrogen effects on the breasts, while it has estrogen-like effects on bones (helping to strengthen them).
Many breast cancers are sensitive to the estrogen hormone, meaning that the tumor grows with the help of it. Evista binds to estrogen receptors in the breast, preventing the hormone from binding. By decreasing the effects of estrogen, Evista can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Evista has been evaluated in several studies for various uses.
Evista and Osteoporosis
Evista has been evaluated in studies of postmenopausal women with
osteoporosis. In these studies, Evista (along with
calcium and vitamin D) reduced the risk of vertebral fractures (broken spinal bones) by up to 41 percent, compared to taking just calcium and vitamin D. It also increased bone mineral density (a measure of the strength of bones) in the spine, hip, and wrist.
The medication can also be used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In studies, women taking the drug (along with calcium) showed increased bone mineral density, while those taking just calcium actually experienced bone loss.
Evista and Breast Cancer
Several studies have evaluated the drug for
breast cancer prevention. In one four-year study on Evista for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, researchers documented any cases of
breast cancer to make sure Evista did not increase this risk. Instead, it was found that the drug reduced the risk of breast cancer by up to 62 percent. This beneficial effect of Evista has been documented in other studies as well.
In addition to preventing breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, it has been shown to prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis who are at high risk for breast cancer. In one study, it reduced the risk of breast cancer by up to 44 percent. Another study (the "STAR trial") showed that Evista and
tamoxifen (
Nolvadex®), an older medication used to prevent breast cancer, were similarly effective, although Evista seemed to have a lower risk of several important side effects (such as
uterine cancer).
When and How to Take Evista
General considerations for when and how to take Evista include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- You can take it at any time of the day, although it is best to take it at the same time each day.
- If you are taking the medication for osteoporosis, you need to make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended dosage, regardless of your age, weight, or other medical conditions or medications. The dose is also the same for preventing or treating
osteoporosis and for preventing
breast cancer.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Evista Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Evista if you have:
- Ever had a blood clot, including blood clots in the legs, eyes, or lungs
- Had a stroke or "mini-stroke" (a transient ischemic attack, or TIA)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Cancer
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- High triglycerides
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Evista?
People who take too much Evista may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Leg cramps
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Coordination problems
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Shakiness
- Flushing.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Evista tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Evista as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Evista tablets come in one strength -- Evista 60 mg tablets.
At this time, Evista is not available in generic form
(see Generic Evista).
