Q:  What is Evista?

A:  Evista or raloxifene, is used to help stop and treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the thinning of the bones among postmenopausal women. Evista functions similar to estrogen that stops the loss of the bones that develops among women after menopausal period. The clinical trials have the ability to lower the risks of invasive breast cancer among the postenopausal women. Evista is produced by Eli Lilly and Company. It was granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1999.

Q:  Is there any recent update about Evista?

A:  A latest study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine which recommended that while postmenopausal women who used Evista has developed less cases of breast cancer compared to women who took placebo, they also have more fatal strokes and blood clots. It is suggested then, that you should inform your healthcare provider if you have some history of active blood clot formation, or any other health condition that gave rise to the risks of blood clots.

Q:  What are the side effects associated with Evista?

A:  Take note that Evista does not serve as an estrogen that helps stimulate uterus or breasts. Hence, it is recommended that you should inform your healthcare provider if you:

• Have vaginal bleeding
• Breast enlargement or pain
• Swelling of the hands or feet

You should also inform your healthcare provider if you are experiencing the following symptoms persistently and severely:

• Hot flashes
• Swelling of the hands or feet, or ankles or lower legs
• Pain and swelling or warmth in the calves, legs, hands, or feet
• Leg cramps
• Abrupt chest pain and feelings of heaviness in the chest
• Difficulty in breathing or coughing up blood
• Sudden change in the vision such as loss of vision or blurring of vision

Q:  What shall I tell my healthcare provider before he/she prescribes Evista?

A:  Inform you healthcare provider if you:

• Had or have any rare allergic reactions to Evista; or any allergic reactions to other substances such as foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, or are breastfeeding your baby
• Are planning or scheduled to have any type of surgery, or to have a long period of inactivity like bed rest or sitting
• Have any blood clot formation history
• History of or active deep vein thrombosis, retinal embolism, and pulmonary embolism
• Have tumors or cancer
• Have congestive heart failure
• Have liver problems
• Have any history or active health condition that can trigger higher chances of blood clots

Q:  Is there any interaction between Evista and other drugs or foods?

A:  Evista and some other medicines can interact with one another. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you have or are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, particularly the cholestyramine, warfarin, and estrogen.

Q:  What should I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of using Evista?

A:  If you or any of your family members have suffered any severe symptoms while taking Evista, you must contact first your healthcare provider. Then, you can look for a reliable and experienced lawyer to present your case or situation and discuss your legal options to protect your right to a legal solution for any injury caused by using Evista.