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Evista is the trade name for raloxifene drug. It is prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women after menopause. Evista is also used to minimize the risk of breast cancer in post menopausal women suffering from osteoporosis or those having a risk of invasive breast-cancer. This drug is specifically meant for postmenopausal women and should not be used by young women of childbearing age. Of course, there are certain other contraindications too (which we will discuss later in the article).
Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and is used for prevention of specific conditions among women after removal of uterus and during post-menopausal period. It’s available in the form of tablets for oral consumption. Inactive ingredients in this drug include carnauba wax, anhydrous lactose, and crospovidone.
Usage and Effectiveness of Evista
Evista or raloxifene is prescribed for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal phase of women’s life. It is only prescribed for those who are at the risk of having or developing osteoporosis. The drug is also used to prevent invasive breast cancer and negative outcomes of uterus removal.
The recommended dosage of Evista for treating osteoporosis is one 60 mg pill per day. In order to get the best results, include sufficient amount of calcium as well as vitamin D in your diet.
Three randomized trials were conducted to study the effects of Evista on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. These trials were done on 544 North American women, 601 European women, and 619 international women who had their uterus removed. All women selected had a spine BMD deviation ranging from -2.5 to +2 from the mean value for healthy women. Calcium supplement was given to the participants in all the three trials and Evista 60 mg was administered once a day.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) conducted on the women after 12 months reflected a significant increase in BMD of hip, spine, and total body. This improvement was maintained at 24 months unlike in the placebo groups which lost about 1 percent of BMD.
Contraindications: When Should You Avoid Evista Medication?
Always consult a doctor before taking raloxifene. It is contraindicated in several conditions. You should not use Evista if you are allergic to any of its components. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and women of childbearing age must not use this drug. You should also avoid it if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Thrombosis (blood clotting) including retinal and deep vein thrombosis
- Thromboembolism (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clotting)
- Pulmonary embolism (pulmonary artery blockage)
- Severe liver dysfunction
- Prolonged immobilization
Side Effects of Evista
Some of the harmless but unpleasant side effects of Evista medication include:
- Hot flashes
- Dilating or widening of blood vessels, especially in the initial 6 months of medication
- Leg cramps
- General swelling.
More severe and dangerous adverse effects may include:
- Thromboembolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Retinal vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary vein embolism
Since some of these side effects can even cause death, it’s important to stay in continuous touch with your doctor during the treatment. You should seek immediate help if you experience any of these conditions during or after medication. Moreover, be sure to buy the drug only from a reliable pharmacy, be it an online drug store like RXShopMD or a brick-and-mortar store in your neighborhood.