Evista

In a perfect world, pharmaceutical drugs would have no side effects. Alas, that's not the case. Evista (raloxifene) is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista works like estrogen to stop bone loss in women after menopause. Clinical trials have shown that Evista may also help reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Evista. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug in 1999. Unfortunately, some patients have reported blood clots and strokes caused by Evista.

This section will discuss the side effects and adverse interactions of Evista. It also offers health tips, news, and resources on Evista. Finally, it will explain what to do if you believe Evista hurt you or a loved one.

What are the benefits and adverse reactions to Evista?​

Many patients have benefitted from taking Evista. However, others have experienced severe side effects after taking the drug.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 revealed evidence that postmenopausal women who took Evista developed significantly fewer cases of breast cancer than women who took a placebo. The study also showed that they had substantially more fatal strokes and potentially dangerous blood clots.

You should tell your doctor if you have a history of or have active blood clots or any other condition that increases the risk of blood clots.

What are the common side effects of Evista?​

Evista doesn't stimulate the uterus or breast. You should tell your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or enlargement. These could be signs of more severe health issues.

You should tell your healthcare professional if any of the following symptoms are severe or persistent:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Flu-like symptoms
• Sudden chest pain or chest heaviness
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain

These are the minor side effects. Researchers have also linked Evista to serious health problems. These may include the following:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Increased risk of high blood pressure

This might seem like a lot. However, studies show that Evista has fewer side effects than Tamoxifen, another osteoporosis medication.

What should I tell my doctor before they prescribe Evista?​

It's always essential that you tell your doctor about your medical history before they prescribe any drugs. Your doctor will check for adverse drug interactions. They'll also review your history to identify any allergies to a particular medicine.

Some of the information your doctor needs when treating you for osteoporosis or any other conditions includes the following:

• Have you had any unusual allergic reactions to Evista? Are you allergic to other substances like foods, preservatives, or dyes?
• When was your last mammogram?
• Are you pregnant/planning to become pregnant? Are you breastfeeding?
• Are you planning to have any surgery or have a long period of inactivity, such as sitting or bed rest?
• Do you have a history of blood clot formation issues, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal embolism?
• Have you ever had cancer or tumors?
• Do you suffer from high cholesterol? High triglyceride count?
• Does your family have a history of breast cancer?
• Do you have congestive heart failure? Are you at high risk for cardiac issues?
• Do you have any other condition that increases your risk of blood clots?
• Do you have liver disease?

Tell your doctor about any other measures you have taken to prevent osteoporosis. For example, if you've undergone hormone replacement therapy, your doctor needs to know. Before they give you any medical advice, your doctor needs to know your medical background.

Are there any interactions between Evista and other drugs or foods?

Evista and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements, especially cholestyramine, estrogens, and warfarin.

If you take other medications, you should also review the FindLaw Dangerous Drugs Section for important information on those other drugs, if available.

Sick After Taking Evista? Consult an Attorney

If you or a loved one have experienced dangerous symptoms after taking Evista, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced product liability attorney to discuss your options and to protect your legal rights.