Evista affects the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, and reduces loss of bone tissue.
Evista is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are at risk of invasive breast cancer.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, Evista can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before taking Evista, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or TIA, high triglycerides, if you have not gone through menopause, or if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking Evista.

Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while you are taking Evista.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;

pain or swelling in one or both legs;

swelling in your hands or feet;

fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;

unusual vaginal bleeding;

breast pain, tenderness, or lump;

pain or burning when you urinate; or

severe pain in your lower back.

Less serious side effects may include:

hot flashes;

headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;

leg pain;

joint pain;

increased sweating;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or

runny or stuffy nose.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Evista can be taken with or without food.

You may take Evista at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.

If your Evista tablets are packaged on blister cards, take the medication as follows:

Each blister card contains 15 tablets labeled with a different day of the week. The first tablet you use should be labeled with the day of the week your doctor has instructed you to start taking Evista.

If you have refilled your prescription and are starting a new blister pack, take the tablet that is labeled one day after you took your last dose.

Keep taking the medication one tablet per day, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

The tablet in the center of the blister card should be the last tablet you take before starting a new card.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking Evista.

Evista is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, calcium or vitamin D supplements, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.