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Why is this drug prescribed?
Evista is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease
that strikes some women after menopause. A variety of factors promote osteoporosis.
The more factors that apply to you, the greater your chances of developing the
disease. These factors include:
Caucasian or Asian descent
Slender build
Early menopause
Smoking
Drinking
A diet low in calcium
An inactive lifestyle
Osteoporosis in the family
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Most important fact about this drug
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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.
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How should you use this medication?
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.
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What side effects may occur?
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
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Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Evista is not for use by women who are--or could become--pregnant. You should
also avoid this drug if you have a history of blood clot formation, including
deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clot
in the lungs), and retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the retina of the
eye), since Evista increases the risk of clots. Avoid the drug, too, if it gives
you an allergic reaction.
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Special warnings about this medication
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
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)
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Evista can harm a developing baby. Do not use if you are or may become pregnant.
Also avoid breastfeeding while taking Evista.
POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
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The recommended dosage is one 60-milligram tablet once a day.
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Overdosage
There have not been any reports of overdose with Evista. However, any medication
taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek
medical attention immediately.
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