Raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products 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 medical professional may tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and to 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 prevention and/or treatment including: four bisphosphonate medications: [alendronate sodium [Fosamax], risedronate sodium [Actonel]),  ibandronate sodium [Boniva]), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)], calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.

What is raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista)?

Raloxifene hydrochloride is the generic name for Evista (brand name). Evista is in a class of medications known as selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs. Evista is neither a hormone nor an estrogen.

What is the use for Evista?

Evista is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

How is Evista usually prescribed?

Evista 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 Evista?

Evista improves bone mass throughout the skeleton and reduces the risk for spine fracture. Clinical studies are currently investigating the effect of Evista on hip and other non-spine fractures. Evista may have potential effects on other parts of the body besides your bones; such as the heart, breast and uterus. The effect of Evista on the heart is unclear but a large trial is in progress that will give us more information. Studies thus far have indicated that Evista may have a protective effect on breast tissue.

What are the side effects of taking Evista?

Evista 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 medical professional. For more information about raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista) visit the Eli Lilly & Company website; http://www.evista.com/index.jsp