Information about Raloxifene (Generic Evista) :


Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women past menopause. It prevents osteoporosis in women after menopause.

You should not use Raloxifene in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Raloxifene; you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you have or have had blood clots; you are taking an anion exchange resin (eg, cholestyramine).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Raloxifene:
Before using Raloxifene you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you are currently immobilized, have liver problems, congestive heart failure, or cancer, or have not passed menopause; your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels increased when you took estrogens in the past.

Be aware that Raloxifene may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anion exchange resins (eg, cholestyramine) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Raloxifene; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Raloxifene.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Raloxifene:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Raloxifene should be taken orally with or without food.

In case you miss a dose of Raloxifene, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Take calcium and vitamin D with Raloxifene if there is less than needed calcium and vitamin D in the food you prefer. Consult with your doctor whether you need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you use Raloxifene before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

The risk of blood clots may be increased in case you have been immobile for a long period while using Raloxifene. It is recommended to get up and move around as often as possible during long periods of travel.

Do not use Raloxifene in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness in children have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
You should not use Raloxifene in case you are pregnant. Try to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine. In case you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is not clear whether Raloxifene passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Raloxifene.

Possible side effects of Raloxifene:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: depression; gas; hot flashes; indigestion; joint pain; laryngitis; leg cramps; muscle pain; sleeplessness; stomach ache; vaginal irritation, redness, or swelling.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting; bladder inflammation; breast pain, tenderness, or enlargement; changes in vision; chest pain; coughing up blood; pain in the calves; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, feet, or legs; unusual weight gain; urinary tract disorder; vaginal bleeding or discharge.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.