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Raloxifene

 

Raloxifene (generic Evista) Review

brand name: Evista
generic names: Raloxifene, Raloxifene hydrochloride

How does it work?

Evista tablets contain the active ingredient raloxifene hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM).

Oestrogen, the main female sex hormone, has many actions throughout the body. Bone tissue, cholesterol metabolism, breast tissue and uterine tissue are all affected by this hormone. At the menopause, blood levels of oestrogen start to decrease and this affects the tissues that are normally responsive to oestrogen.

In terms of bone tissue, declining levels of oestrogen result in an increase in bone breakdown, which can lead to a loss of bone density. Bone loss is particularly rapid for the first ten years after the menopause and it may lead to the development of osteoporosis - a condition in which the bones are weak and break more easily.

Raloxifene is used to both prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It works by acting on oestrogen receptors in the bone tissue, where it mimicks the natural effects of oestrogen. This gradually reverses the excessive breakdown of bone that happens at menopause and causes an increase in bone mineral density, making bones stronger. Raloxifene has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of spinal fractures, but not hip fractures.

Raloxifene selectively mimicks the effects of oestrogen on bone tissue, but does not affect breast tissue or uterine tissue. This means that long-term use does not carry the increased risk of cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer) or breast cancer that is associated with long-term use of oestrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, raloxifene is associated with an increased risk of developing blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism). This risk is similar to that associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Due to its selective activity, raloxifene is not effective at relieving other symptoms of oestrogen deficiency that occur during the menopause, for example hot flushes.

Special warnings about Raloxifene (Evista) hydrochloride

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

How should you use Evista?

Take Evista once daily, at any time, with or without food. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as well, if you do not get enough in your diet. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects might I notice from taking Raloxifene?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•difficulty breathing
•leg pain or swelling
•skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•difficulty sleeping
•fluid build-up
•hot flashes
•leg cramps
•muscle aches
•sinus pressure or drainage
•stomach or intestinal gas
•stomach pain
•sweating
•weight gain

What is it used for?

• Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause .
  
  

How should you use Raloxifene (Evista) hydrochloride?

Take Evista once daily, at any time, with or without food. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as well, if you do not get enough in your diet. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.