What Is Evista (Raloxifene)?

Raloxifene, also known as Evista, prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is the first drug in its class approved to prevent osteoporosis. Evista is also used as an anticancer drug to prevent or reduce cancer growth in the breast and uterus. Raloxifene is not a hormone but acts in a similar way. This drug is labelled as a selective estrogen receptor modulator(SERM).

Evista
Evista
Raloxifene Hydrochloride
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Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What Is Evista (Raloxifene)?

Raloxifene, also known as Evista, prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is the first drug in its class approved to prevent osteoporosis. Evista is also used as an anticancer drug to prevent or reduce cancer growth in the breast and uterus. Raloxifene is not a hormone but acts in a similar way. This drug is labelled as a selective estrogen receptor modulator(SERM).

How Raloxifene Works

This drug performs like estrogen in bone tissue to increase bone density, without the negative effects of estrogens. In the bones, raloxifene binds to elements in the cell that cause the beneficial estrogen effect. Bone density is returned to premenopausal levels.

In the breast and uterus, there are two types of cell elements that either increase or decrease estrogen. These cell elements are not found in the bones. Raloxifene binds to the element that prevents estrogen. Unable to feed on estrogen, estrogen-loving cancer cannot spread.

Raloxifene is one of the most studied medications for the menopausal population.

Storage, dosage, and how to use Raloxifene

Take this medicine once a day at the same time, for five years. The 60mg dose is taken by mouth, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Store away from moisture and heat. Store this medicine well out of reach from children and pets.

When taken for preventing osteoporosis, patients are advised to add supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Other possible dietary changes may be advised. When taken to prevent invasive cancer of the breast or uterus, the patient is monitored with lab tests and routine breast and pelvic exams. The length of the treatment to prevent cancer varies.

Side Effects

The most common side effect is Hot Flashes or Hot Flushes.

Other common side effects are:

  • leg cramps
  • swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles
  • joint pain
  • flu symptoms
  • increased sweating

Serious side effects that require immediate medical help are:

  • swelling, tenderness, and other changes in breasts
  • signs of stroke
  • numbness or weakness
  • slurred speech
  • vision problems
  • nausea and vomiting
  • rash

If you have any of the listed serious symptoms, stop taking raloxifene and call your Provider immediately.

The most serious side effects that require immediate emergency help are:

  • hives
  • swelling of face or throat
  • difficulty breathing
  • bleeding disorders
  • fast heart rate
  • lightheaded or faint
  • chest pain
  • warm-to-touch swelling in thigh or calf
  • reddish color, streaks, tenderness on leg

If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, call the Emergency Services immediately.  Do not wait.

Warnings & Precautions

Increased Risk of Blood Clots

There is a greater risk of blood clots in the legs, lungs, and eyes. There is also a greater risk of strokes, which may be fatal. Do not take this medication if there is a medical history of blood clots. Talk to your Provider about other treatment options.

Known Allergy

If you have experienced an allergic reaction to this medication previously, inform your Provider.

Upcoming Surgeries or Long Distance Travel

Surgeries and long distance travel put one at risk for blood clots. Discuss any plans with the Prescribing Provider before beginning this therapy.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Raloxifene can harm an unborn baby. Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication.

Interactions

Some health conditions may make this drug unsuitable or require additional monitoring during use. If you have a history of the following conditions, tell your Provider:

  • history of smoking
  • hypertension
  • high cholesterol from estrogen use
  • blood clots
  • mini-stroke
  • heart attack or major stroke
  • cancer
  • endometriosis
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • pre-menopausal
  • irregular heart rhythm
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease

A number of medications can also interfere with the safe and effective use of Raloxifene. Be certain to review your medications with the healthcare provider.

Medications that cannot be used while receiving Raloxifene treatment:

  • cholestyramine
  • birth control pills
  • hormone replacement therapy
  • bexarotene
  • carfilzomib
  • lenalidomide
  • pomalidomide
  • thalidomide
  • tranexamic acid
  • strontium

Other substances and medications that should be discussed with the Provider before using:

  • milk thistle
  • warfarin
  • lidocaine
  • diazepam
  • dicumarol
  • Zyrtec
  • alcohol
  • calcium
  • fish oil
  • aspirin and Tylenol
  • vitamins B12, B6, C, D2, D3
  • foods high in oxalic acid

Contraindications

Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, should neither touch this medication nor breathe the dust. The medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs.

History of blood clots

Any history or use of medication that warns of risk for blood clots contraindicates the use of this medication.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer causes a higher risk for blood clotting.

Undiagnosed uterine bleeding

Undiagnosed bleeding needs to be resolved prior to beginning Raloxifene therapy. This condition may preclude taking Raloxifene.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the five years of treatment to prevent osteoporosis or cancer, the patient must have regular check-ups for lab tests and examinations. Depending on your medical history, the labs checked will require more frequent visits to your porovider.

This medication should be swallowed whole at as close to the same time each day as possible. The time of day does not matter but, for the medication to stay at optimum level in your body, you must take it at the same time each day. Ask your Provider regarding your personal circumstances.

Talk with your Provider. There are alternative treatment options, which may suit your schedule and circumstances better.

Raloxifene is contraindicated for those with porphyrias.

This medication can be used with hepatic impairment, but caution is strongly advised. Your liver will be monitored on a routine basis during treatment. Discuss your medical history with your prescribing Provider.

Discuss your family history with your Provider and possibly a cardiovascular specialist. Weigh the risks and benefits of this medication next your health history and your hereditary history.

Raloxifene may be taken with or without food.

Raloxifene has been shown to seriously interfere with many of the most important embryonic and fetal development stages. Contact both your Provider and your Obstetrician. Discontinue use of raloxifene immediately, until you and your healthcare team determine your options.

Do not take this medication whilst breastfeeding. Contact your prescribing Provider and let them know you are breastfeeding. Discuss alternative treatment options.

Yes. SERMs are prohibited by the Anti-Doping Organization.

Cholestyramine is known to interact with raloxifene. Contact your Provider immediately to discuss options and whether or not you need to change prescriptions.

Raloxifene has been shown to cause false test results. Talk to the laboratory ahead of time and ask questions. Also recognize that you should alert all your healthcare team because any lab could potentially give false results.

Any situation where your body will be unable to move for long periods of time puts you at high risk for blood clots, especially if you are using raloxifene. Ask your Provider about not using the medication until you return from your business trip.

A history of triglyceride rising due to estrogen is a listed warning for raloxifene. Contact your Provider to discuss the risks and benefits to using raloxifene.

Awareness of how you dispense the drug, when you take it, and where it is stored is particularly important around children. Do not take the medication when the child is nearby. Try wearing nitrile gloves when taking the tablet from the bottle and putting it into your mouth. Wash up thoroughly afterward. Consider waiting until the child leaves your home before taking your medication.