Evista

Common Name: raloxifene

How does Evista work?

Raloxifene belongs to a family of medicines called selective estrogen receptor modifiers or SERMs. Selective estrogen receptor modifiers are chemically related to estrogen. They have been modified in an effort to keep the beneficial effects while reducing the side effects associated with estrogen. Raloxifene is the first of this family of drugs to be released in Canada. Raloxifene is used for the prevention of osteoporosis in women who are at menopause or beyond. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions. If you're unsure why you are using this medication, contact your doctor. The benefits of raloxifene stem from its ability to slow the breaking down of bone. Bone density improvements in terms of increases, or slowing down of decreases, can be detected within one year by a simple procedure known as a bone mineral density test.

How should I use Evista?

The recommended initial adult dose of raloxifene is 60 mg daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dosedifferent from the one above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Always take raloxifene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine and it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. For this medication to be effective it is very important that you take it daily on a regular basis and exactly according to the doctor's instructions.

What form(s) does Evista come in?

Raloxifene is supplied as 60 mg white tablets. Nonmedicinal ingredients in the tablets include lactose, crospovidone, hydoxypropyl methylcellulose, macrogol 400, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, povidone, and titanium dioxide. The tablets do not contain starch, yeast, or gluten.

What should I NOT take with Evista?

Raloxifene should not be taken by women who: are capable of becoming pregnant are allergic to the product or any of its components have had thrombosis (blood clots)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Evista?

Prolonged inactivity: Because of an increased risk of blood clots, raloxifene should be discontinued at least 72 hours before and during long periods of inactivity (e.g., after surgery, prolonged bed rest). Liver: People who have liver disease should not take raloxifene unless the potential benefits outweigh risks as determined by their doctor.