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Evista |
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What is Evista and why is it prescribed? Evista is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease that strikes some women after menopause. Like estrogen, Evista reduces bone loss and increases bone density. 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. How should you take Evista? Follow your doctors directions for taking 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. Store Evista at room temperature. Are there any Evista side effects? Evista side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Evista has one positive side effect, it lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. It does not affect HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels. More common Evista 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, and weight gain. Less common Evista side effects may include decreased sense of touch, fainting, laryngitis, migraine, nerve pain, pinkeye, pneumonia, urinary disorders, varicose veins, and vaginal bleeding. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Evista? If Evista is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Evista with Cholestyramine (Questran), Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Diazepam (Valium), Diazoxide (Proglycem), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Indomethacin (Indocin), Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Evista? 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 should not be taken until menopause has passed. Use Evista with caution if you have congestive heart failure, a liver condition, or cancer. Be cautious if you have had breast cancer in the past. Evista'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. Nevertheless, never combine Evista with estrogen hormones. If you have 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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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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