Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Evista

Generic Name: raloxifene (oral) (Pronunciation: ra LOX i feen)

• What is raloxifene (Evista)?
• What are the possible side effects of raloxifene (Evista)?
• What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene (Evista)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking raloxifene (Evista)?
• How should I take raloxifene (Evista)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Evista)?
• What happens if I overdose (Evista)?
• What should I avoid while taking raloxifene (Evista)?
• What other drugs will affect raloxifene (Evista)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is raloxifene (Evista)?

Raloxifene affects the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, and reduces loss of bone tissue.

Raloxifene is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are otherwise at risk of invasive breast cancer.

Raloxifene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Evista 60 mg

oval, white, imprinted with LILLY 4165

What are the possible side effects of raloxifene (Evista)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• breast pain, tenderness, or lump;
• pain or burning when you urinate; or
• severe pain in your lower back.

Less serious side effects may include:

• hot flashes;
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• leg pain;
• joint pain;
• increased sweating;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene (Evista)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot.

Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, raloxifene can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before taking raloxifene, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or TIA, high triglycerides, if you have not gone through menopause, or if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking raloxifene for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking raloxifene.

Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while you are taking raloxifene.