Evista (Raloxifene Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Evista Used For?
Evista contains raloxifene hydrochloride and belongs to a group of medicines called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). When a woman reaches menopause, the level of female sex hormone, estrogen, goes down. Evista mimics some of the beneficial effects of estrogen after menopause.
Primary Uses
Evista is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. It is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis after menopause and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women at high risk of invasive breast cancer after menopause.
How It Works
Evista belongs to a group of medicines called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It mimics some of the beneficial effects of estrogen after menopause when natural estrogen levels decline.
Good to know: For maximum benefit, Evista is intended for long-term use as prescribed by your doctor.
How to Take Evista
The usual dose of Evista is one tablet per day. It can be taken at any time of the day, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day to help you remember. The days of the week are printed on the blister foil to help you remember your daily dose.
Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet per day, swallowed whole with a glass of water. You may take Evista with or without food. When prescribed for osteoporosis treatment or prevention, Evista should be taken with supplementary calcium if your daily calcium intake is inadequate.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking Evista as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Hot flushes
- Leg cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling of hands, feet and legs
- Flu-like symptoms
- Infection
- Headache
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Breast pain
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Muscle ache
- Joint pain and swelling
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vertigo
- Congested nose, runny nose, sneezing
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Sweating
- Eye inflammation
- Urinary tract infection
- Vaginal bleeding
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling in your legs
- Severe stomach pain
- Shortness of breath or pain on breathing
- Blood clots
- Gall stones
- Problems with your eyesight
- Pain or redness of the eyes
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Evista. This medication is only for postmenopausal women and has specific contraindications and precautions.
Who Should Not Take Evista
Do not use Evista if you are allergic to raloxifene hydrochloride or any ingredients; have not been through menopause (only for postmenopausal women); are being treated or have been treated for blood clots; or are male (not intended for use in men).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: unexplained vaginal bleeding; are at risk of blood clots; will be immobilized for some time; have liver disease; are intolerant to lactose; have menopausal symptoms like hot flushes; are on estrogen or hormone replacement therapy; have high blood fats caused by estrogen; have had a stroke or risk factors for stroke; or have had breast cancer.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Evista is only for use by women after menopause and must not be taken by women who could still have a baby. You must tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Blood Clot Risk: In clinical trials, some women experienced blood clots in the veins. This occurred in less than 1% of patients but is a serious side effect requiring urgent medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Evista and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Dose Adjustments: Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of heart medicines or blood thinning drugs when taking Evista.
- Heart medicines such as digitalis drugs (e.g., digoxin)
- Blood thinning drugs such as warfarin
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogens
- Lipid-lowering drugs including cholestyramine
Alcohol & Driving
Evista has no known effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, be careful until you know how Evista affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Evista has no known effect on driving or the ability to use machinery. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Evista affects you.
Storage
Store Evista below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Do not take after the expiry date as it may have lost some of its strength.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Evista, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Australian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or New Zealand National Poisons Centre (0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evista is intended for long-term use for maximum benefit. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate duration of treatment.
Yes, you may take Evista with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, Evista does not treat hot flushes or other menopausal symptoms. In fact, hot flushes are a common side effect of Evista.
Do not stop using Evista without first talking to your doctor. It is important to take Evista daily at the dose prescribed by your doctor for maximum benefit.
If you’re going on a long plane or car trip, you should move about periodically. Also tell your doctor if you will be immobilized for some time, as this may increase your risk of blood clots.
When prescribed for osteoporosis treatment or prevention, Evista should be taken with supplementary calcium if your daily calcium intake is inadequate. Discuss this with your doctor.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.