- EVISTA (raloxifene)
Description
Is used after menopause to prevent and treat osteoporosis (weak or thin bones).
Brand Name(s)
EvistaŽ
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to raloxifene. You
should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have or have
had blood clots.
How to use and store this medicine
Tablets:
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how
often. You may be told to take one tablet every day.
- You may take the raloxifene at any time of day, with or
without food.
- Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat,
moisture, and direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for your next dose.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next
usual dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Do not drink large amounts of alcohol. If you smoke, stop
smoking. Both alcohol and cigarettes can make your bone problems worse.
- You should not use cholestyramine while you are taking
raloxifene. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking clofibrate or other medicine to
lower cholesterol, indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diazepam, diazoxide, or a blood
thinner such as warfarin (CoumadinŽ).
- You should not use raloxifene with any kind of estrogen
(pills, patch, or shots).
Warnings
- You may need to take calcium and vitamin D tablets with this
medicine to help make your bones stronger. Regular exercise can also help. Talk with your
doctor if you have any questions.
- Raloxifene may increase the risk of blood clots, especially
during the first 4 months that you are taking the medicine. The clots can be in your eyes,
legs, or lungs and can cause serious problems.
- Blood clots may form when you do not move around for long
periods of time. If you know you are going to be resting in bed for a long time (such as
after surgery), your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medicine 3 days before that
time. You should start taking the medicine only after you can get up and move around
again.
- Exercise or get up and move around every 1 or 2 hours when
you are on long airplane or car trips.
- Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if anyone in
your family has had blood clots. Make sure your doctor knows if you have congestive heart
failure (CHF), cancer, or liver disease.
- Raloxifene should be used after you have passed menopause.
If you are pregnant or could get pregnant, You should not use this medicine. Raloxifene
can be harmful or cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Changes in your vision, loss of vision
- Chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood
- Severe headache
- Sharp pain in the calf of your leg, leg swelling
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor.
- Hot flashes (redness, warmth, and sweating in your head and
neck)
- Leg cramps
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Upset stomach, indigestion, gas
