Q: What is Evista?
A: Evista (raloxifene) is used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in postmenopausal women only. Evista works like an estrogen to stop bone loss that can develop in women after menopause. Clinical trials have shown that Evista may also have a role in reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Evista is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Evista?
A: A recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that while postmenopausal women who took Evista developed significantly fewer cases of breast cancer than women who took a placebo, they also had significantly more fatal strokes and potentially dangerous blood clots. You should tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of or have active blood clot formation, or any other condition that increases the risk of blood clots.

Q: What are the side effects associated with Evista?
A: Evista does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. Therefore, you should tell your healthcare professional if you experience vaginal bleeding, breast pain or enlargement, or swelling of the hands or feet. 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; sudden chest pain or chest heaviness; difficulty breathing or coughing up blood; pain, swelling, or warmth in the calves, legs, hands, or feet; sudden change in your vision such as vision loss or blurring.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Evista?
A: You should tell your healthcare if you have or had any unusual allergic reaction to Evista, or if you are allergic to any other substances (foods, preservatives, or dyes); are or may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; are planning to have any kind of surgery or to have a long period of inactivity (sitting, bed rest); have blood clot formation, active or history of, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal embolism; have cancer or tumors; have congestive heart failure; have any other condition that increases the risk of blood clots; or have liver disease

Q: Are there any interactions between Evista and other drugs or foods?
A: Evista and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines - especially cholestyramine, estrogens, and warfarin.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Evista?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Evista, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Evista use.