Raloxifene Hcl (Evista)

Alternate Name: Raloxifene HCl

Dosage Form: Tablet

Administration Route: By mouth

Drug Class: Antineoplastic Agent, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Generic Available: Yes

Strength: 60 MG

Warnings: Although it is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman might become pregnant, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Make sure your doctor knows if you have congestive heart failure, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or a history of breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure. Raloxifene may increase your risk of having blood clots, especially during the first 4 months that you are using the medicine. Avoid sitting for long periods of time (such as during a long car trip); get up and walk around often. Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. If you have vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or breast enlargement while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor right away. If you will be inactive for several days (such as recovering from surgery), talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking this medicine for awhile. You can help this medicine work better by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D every day, through either food or supplements. Talk with your doctor about specific ways you can improve your situation. Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking. Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet. Unusual vaginal pain, bleeding, or discharge.

Food Warnings: Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (Coumadin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), diazepam (Valium®), diazoxide (Proglycem®), lidocaine (Lidoderm®), estrogen (hormone replacement therapy or HRT), or medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Baycol®, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, or Zocor®)., Make sure your doctor knows if you have congestive heart failure, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or a history of breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure., Raloxifene may increase your risk of having blood clots, especially during the first 4 months that you are using the medicine. Avoid sitting for long periods of time (such as during a long car trip); get up and walk around often., Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. If you have vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or breast enlargement while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor right away., If you will be inactive for several days (such as recovering from surgery), talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking this medicine for awhile., You can help this medicine work better by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D every day, through either food or supplements. Talk with your doctor about specific ways you can improve your situation.