Raloxifene (Evista)
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always
include a nutrient-rich diet, the recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D,
regular physical activity, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of
smoking and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is
diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle
choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe an osteoporosis
medication to help stop further bone loss and reduce your risk for
broken bones.
What are the medication options for osteoporosis?
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several
medications for osteoporosis which fall into two classes: antiresorptive medications and anabolic medications. Antiresorptive medications are used to strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture (broken bone).
The antiresorptive medications include a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.The four bisphosphonate medications are:
- alendronate - available as a generic medication (Brand name: Fosamax, Fosamax D)
- risedronate (Brand name: Actonel, Actonel with Calcium )
- ibandronate ( Brand name: Boniva)
- zoledronic acid (Brand name: Reclast)
Other approved antiresorptive medications include:
Anabolic medication builds new bone, increases bone density and helps reduce fracture risk. At this time the only approved anabolic medication is:
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medication option that is right for you.
What is raloxifene (Evista)?
Raloxifene
hydrochloride is the generic name for Evista (brand name). Raloxifene is in
a class of medications known as selective estrogen receptor modulators,
or SERMs. Raloxifene is not a hormone or an estrogen.
What is the use for raloxifene?
Raloxifene is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
How is raloxifene usually prescribed?
Raloxifene is prescribed as a 60 mg tablet taken once a day with or without food.
When using Evista, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and
vitamin D. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.
What are the benefits of raloxifene?
Raloxifene improves bone mass throughout the skeleton and reduces the risk for
spine fracture. Clinical studies are currently investigating the effect
of raloxifene on hip and other non-spine fractures. Raloxifene may
have potential effects on other parts of the body besides your bones;
such as the heart, breast and uterus. The effect of raloxifene on the
heart is unclear but a large trial is in progress that will give us
more information. Studies thus far have indicated that raloxifene may have
a protective effect on breast tissue.
What are the side effects of taking raloxifene?
Raloxifene may
have potential adverse effects, such as an increase in hot flashes, an
increased risk for blood clots in the leg veins or the lungs (similar
to estrogen), leg cramps and fluid retention..
Like all
medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits
and risks of taking this medication with your healthcare providerl. For
more information about raloxifene (Evista) visit the Eli
Lilly & Company website.
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