EVISTA (Raloxifene), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), is prescribed by the physicians for the post menopausal women to treat and/or prevent the osteoporosis. EVISTA (Raloxifene) interferes with the bone metabolism and reduces the bone loss and breakdown and increase the reuptake of bone minerals. EVISTA (Raloxifene) acts as an estrogen agonist in the bone cells and decrease the bone resorption and the bone turn over and increase the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) there by decreases the incidence of pathological fractures in the post menopausal women. EVISTA (Raloxifene) is also used to prevent the invasive breast cancer in the post menopausal women with or without osteoporosis and ‘at-risk’ invasive breast cancer patients.
Who should not take EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
EVISTA (Raloxifene) should not be prescribed for the patients with blood clot diseases like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism, and the blood clots in the veins of the eye, legs and the lungs. If you have a personal or familial history of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or stroke, you should not take EVISTA (Raloxifene). If you have other existing diseases like liver diseases, kidney diseases, High blood pressure, past breast cancer history and unconfirmed menopause, you must not take EVISTA (Raloxifene). If you are immobile for a long period of time because of various factors like travelling or the post surgical resting period, you should not take EVISTA (Raloxifene), as it can increase the risk of serious blood clot.
If you experience changes in the vision and colour, oedema in the lower and upper extremities, blood vomiting or pain in the chest region, pain in the lower leg or the calf muscles, you should not take EVISTA (Raloxifene) and immediately call your health care provider. Although, EVISTA (Raloxifene) is prescribed only for the post menopausal women and it should not be used by the pre-menopausal women. EVISTA (Raloxifene) is a Pregnancy Category – X drug and it should not used by the pregnant women that can lead to serious birth defects. If you are taking drugs like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy like Estrogen, blood thinners like Warfarin, diazepam like sedatives and Cholestyramine, you must not take EVISTA (Raloxifene) as it can lead to serious adverse effects.
EVISTA (Raloxifene) Side Effects:
EVISTA (Raloxifene) can cause serious side effects like death due to stroke or atherosclerosis, changes in the vision or loss of the vision, numbness in the extremities, hot flashes, arrthymia, unusual fast heart beats, delirium, loss of balance and speech, serious blood clots in the eye, lungs and legs, breathing troubles, oedema in the upper and lower extremities and severe lower back pains. Other less serious side effects of EVISTA (Raloxifene) are fever, sore throat, increased sweating, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, joint pain, rhinitis. However, many of the serious and less serious side effects may vary from person to person.
How should I take EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
The recommended dosage for the EVISTA (Raloxifene) is 60 mg daily. EVISTA (Raloxifene) may be prescribed alone or in combination with some other anti-hypertensive drugs for the beneficial effects. The following instruction should be followed to take the EVISTA (Raloxifene) – 60 mg once daily: (1) Take EVISTA (Raloxifene) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take EVISTA (Raloxifene) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take EVISTA (Raloxifene) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take EVISTA (Raloxifene) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take EVISTA (Raloxifene) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow EVISTA (Raloxifene) as a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep EVISTA (Raloxifene) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking EVISTA (Raloxifene) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking EVISTA (Raloxifene) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your problems or keep you from getting these symptoms, you have to take EVISTA (Raloxifene) as often and in the way EVISTA (Raloxifene) as prescribed by your Physician.
What is the important information I should know about EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
Take EVISTA (Raloxifene) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
You can take EVISTA (Raloxifene) disregard of food intake.
For EVISTA (Raloxifene) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
For a better prevention of the osteoporosis, you should take Calcium supplements and/or Vitamin-D along with EVISTA (Raloxifene).
It is important to take EVISTA (Raloxifene) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
EVISTA (Raloxifene) is not recommended for use in women before menopause. EVISTA (Raloxifene) should not be used in children.
Avoid alcohol and smoking while you take EVISTA (Raloxifene).
You must stop taking EVISTA (Raloxifene) at least 3 days before the surgery.
Do not stop taking EVISTA (Raloxifene) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
Check your Bone Mass Density at least once in six months to confirm the beneficial effects of EVISTA (Raloxifene).
EVISTA (Raloxifene) is not useful in the prevention of inherited mutation types (BRCA1, BRCA2) of breast cancer.
If you have breast cancer familial or personal history, you should undergo breast examination and mammography before and after the commencement of EVISTA (Raloxifene) treatment.
EVISTA (Raloxifene) treatment and use in men is not clinically established.
Store EVISTA (Raloxifene) as per the instructions on the label.
Keep EVISTA (Raloxifene) away from the reach of the children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
Take the missed dose of EVISTA (Raloxifene) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take EVISTA (Raloxifene) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
If you feel Dizziness and leg cramps, it may be sign of EVISTA (Raloxifene) over dosage. Please seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Where can I get more information on EVISTA (Raloxifene)?
EVISTA (Raloxifene) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for EVISTA (Raloxifene) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
|
