Brand Name:
Evista is the brand name for raloxifene. Evista is manufactured by the Eli Lilly Corporation.
Generic Name:
Raloxifene.
Who Should Take Evista:
Evista was developed for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Therefore, those who should NOT take this drug are those women who can still become pregnant, are pregnant, or are nursing. Ask your doctor if Evista is appropriate for you.
Bibliography:
RxList. Clinical Pharmacology - Mechanism of Action 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Eli Lilly Corporation. Understanding Evista - What is Evista? Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Bibliography:
RxList. Clinical Pharmacology - Mechanism of Action 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Eli Lilly Corporation. Understanding Evista - What is Evista? Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Class :
Raloxifene is a SERM.
Drug Action:
Raloxifene prevents bone loss and increases bone mineral density. In studies, raloxifene increased calcium levels related to hip and spine bone mineral density within 1 year, maintaining those levels for 2. Subjects who took calcium only lost 1% of their bone mineral density related calcium during the same time period.
Bibliography:RxList. Clinical Pharmacology - Mechanism of Action 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
How to Take Evista:
Evista doesages have the advantage of being able to be taken with or without food, and with or without Calcium and/or Vitamin D. The manufacturer suggests that if you miss a dose to take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dosage. In that case, take the next scheduled dosage; do not double dose. Dosages are usually 60 mg.
Bibliography
RxList. Clinical Pharmacology - Absorption 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Bibliography
RxList. Clinical Pharmacology - Absorption 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Side Effects:
Other than the serious consequences listed below, side effects of taking Evista or raloxifene are mild. They are: leg cramps and hot flashes. In a study involving over 2000 women, the hot flashes tended to subside after the initial 6 months of raloxifene therapy.
Bibliography
RxList. Side Effects 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Bibliography
RxList. Side Effects 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Serious Consequences of Taking Evista or Raloxifene:
In addition to side effects listed above, if you have liver disease or problems, or have had blood clots, DO NOT TAKE EVISTA OR RALOXIFENE!! Your life may depend upon it! Also, studies show that Evista and raloxifene increase the incidence of death in people who have high risk factors for cardiovascular disease, so if you have these risk factors, use precaution.
Include Your Doctor:
It is most important to confer with your doctor for more information on side effects, consequences and drug-drug interactions. This is to prevent serious problems from occuring. Use this article as a guide or starting point in your research, and question your doctor thoroughly!
Drug Interactions:
Cholestyramine, a cholesterol lowering drug, should not be taken with Evista or raloxifene. Ask your doctor for more information! Additionally, the manufacturer of Evista advises that it not be taken along with estrogen therapy that is delivered by means of pill, patch or injection. Blood thinners, such as Warfarin or any of the Coumarins are iffy. If you are on blood thinners, your doctor should order a test to determine if the two drugs can mix safely in your body. That test is to determine and monitor prothombrin time.
Bibliography:
RxList. Side Effects 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
Raloxifene binds to proteins in your blood. For this reason, other drugs that also bind to proteins may not be the best choice to take with Evista. Some of those medicines include: clofibrate, indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diazepam, and diazoxide. Ask your doctor about these drugs.
For more detailed information on all aspects of raloxifene:Bibliography:
RxList. Side Effects 12.08.04. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
