RE: [Wellness] Evista/Raloxifene

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

Jerrie,

 

Here are some great links which should help you with information.  Hopefully someone who took Evista can also share their experiences.  I was prescribed Evista for heart and bone concerns in 1997.  I don't recall any side effects.  At the time it was considered another version of Tamoxifen but we stopped it when my cancer reoccured in 1998.  I hope this helps you.    Karen

 

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/raloxif_od.htm    contradictions and side effects

 

Evista (Raloxifene) Manufacturer: ELI LILLY

IMPORTANT NOTE The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Evista (Raloxifene) Common Uses: Evista (Raloxifene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Evista (Raloxifene) may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. These medicines are structurally different from hormones, including estrogens and progestins.

How to use Evista (Raloxifene) : Follow the directions for using Evista (Raloxifene) provided by your doctor. Evista (Raloxifene) may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE Evista (Raloxifene) at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Evista (Raloxifene), skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses of Evista (Raloxifene) at once.

http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/drugs/dru354.html 

http://pi.lilly.com/us/evista-pi.pdf  

Like estrogen, Evista reduces bone loss and increases bone density. However, Evista does not have estrogen-like effects on the uterus and breasts, and therefore is unlikely to increase the risk of cancer, as estrogen therapy sometimes can do.

Although Evista has been shown to increase bone density over the course of a two-year study, its longer-term ability to prevent bone fractures has not yet been proven.

 

Evista has one very positive side effect: It lowers total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It does not affect HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

The unwanted side effects of Evista cannot be predicted. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Evista.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, arthritis, breast pain, bronchitis, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, flu symptoms, gas, gynecological problems, headache, hot flashes, increased cough, indigestion, infection, insomnia, joint pain, leg cramps, muscle ache, nasal inflammation, nausea, rash, sinusitis, sore throat, stomach and intestinal problems, sweating, swelling, tendon soreness, uterine discharge, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weight gain

• Less common side effects may include:
  Decreased sense of touch, fainting, laryngitis, migraine, nerve pain (neuralgia), pinkeye (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, urinary disorders, varicose veins, vaginal bleeding

Because of Evista's tendency to promote clots, you should not take it during long periods of immobilization such as recovery from surgery or prolonged bed rest, or for 72 hours beforehand. If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure the doctor is aware that you are taking Evista.

For the same reason, if you are going on a trip where your movement will be restricted, make a point of periodically getting up and walking around.

Evista is not needed prior to menopause and shouldn't be taken until menopause has passed. It has not been studied in premenopausal women and its use is not recommended.

Use Evista with caution if you have congestive heart failure, a liver condition, or cancer. Be cautious, too, if you've had breast cancer in the past; the drug's effect in this situation is unknown.

If you develop unusual uterine bleeding or breast problems while taking Evista, tell your doctor immediately.

Evista will not cure hot flashes. (In fact, it may cause them.) Nevertheless, never combine Evista with estrogen hormones.

If you've had a problem with high blood triglyceride levels when taking estrogen, Evista may cause the same problem. However, it tends to lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 11 percent.

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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

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If Evista is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Evista with the following:

Cholestyramine (Questran)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Diazepam (Valium)
Diazoxide (Proglycem)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

-----Original Message-----
From: wellness-admin@womens-wellness.com [mailto:wellness-admin@womens-wellness.com]On Behalf Of Jerrie Kalenda
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 9:05 PM
To: Wellness@womens-wellness.com
Subject: [Wellness] Evista/Raloxifene

I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in May of 1996 at the age of 49 and underwent a mastectomy on the left breast with no resulting radiation or chemotherapy because there was no node involvement.  I did, however, take Tamoxifen for 4 1/2 years during which time I developed cataracts and gained about 40 pounds.  I have now been off the Tamoxifen for about 4 years, have had cataracts removed from both eyes over the past 3 years, and have finally lost the 40 pounds this past year.  My doctor recently prescribed Actonel because he said that I was within 1/10 of whatever the measurement is of developing osteoporosis.  I took the Actonel once a week for the past month and was bothered greatly by excess gas, and on the day I took the Actonel had to spend most of the day close to a bathroom.  I asked him to switch me to Fosamax after talking with a number of friends who had experienced no problems with it.  His nurse called today and said that he felt I would also have problems with the Fosamax and decided to put me on Evista.  I have not had a chance to ask him if the Evista would give me the same side effects that the Tamoxifen did.  I do know that there is an increased chance of blood clots and hot flashes with the Evista, but so far those seem to be the only similar side effects I have found.

 

Has anyone else had any experience with the Evista/Raloxifene?  I am beginning to think I should just stay on the Actonel and hope things continue to get better with it.  I would welcome hearing from other women who have experienced one or the other of these medications.

 

Jerrie Kalenda