CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Estrogen is a hormone, which among other actions, regulates the turnover (formation and destruction) of bone. Decreases in estrogen levels that are seen after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, lead to a loss of bone density and weakened bones, a condition called osteoporosis. Generic Evista - Raloxifene decreases bone turnover and increases bone density although not to the same extent as estrogen itself. This makes bones stronger and prevents fractures in women with osteoporosis. Generic Evista - Raloxifene is called a "selective estrogen receptor modulator" since it has effects like estrogen on some tissues but inhibits the effects of estrogen on other tissues. Generic Evista - Raloxifene decreases low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in the blood; however, unlike estrogen, Generic Evista - Raloxifene does not increase high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
Active Ingredients: raloxifene hydrochloride
Other Ingredients:anhydrous lactose, carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD& C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
What is Generic Evista - Raloxifene PRESCRIBED for?
Generic Evista - Raloxifene is an Estrogen Receptor Modulator, and Osteoporosis Prophylactic, and is used to help prevent and treat thinning of the bones. Generic Evista - Raloxifene is used only in postmenopausal women, and works like an estrogen to stop bone loss that can happen after menopause, but does increase bone density as much as estrogens do.
How should I take Generic Evista - Raloxifene?
Generic Evista - Raloxifene tablets are taken by mouth. They can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children.
STORAGE
Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); allows excursions between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F).
What are the CONTRADICTIONS for taking Generic Evista - Raloxifene?
- Do not take Generic Evista - Raloxifene if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Evista is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Generic Evista - Raloxifene is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
- Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Generic Evista - Raloxifene.
- Treatment with Generic Evista - Raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do NOT double doses.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Incidents of overdose in humans have not been reported. There is no specific antidote for Generic Evista - Raloxifene. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Evista - 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 other drugs can INTERACT with Generic Evista - Raloxifene?
Cholestyramine (Questran) reduces the absorption of Generic Evista - Raloxifene. Therefore, these two medications should be taken several hours apart. Generic Evista - Raloxifene may slightly reduce the ability of blood to clot and thus increase the effects of medications that reduce clotting (blood thinners). Therefore, if Generic Evista - Raloxifene is given with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), the ability of blood to clot may need to be monitored more closely with frequent measurements of the prothrombin time of blood.
Additional Information
Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Generic Evista - Raloxifene. Treatment with Generic Evista - Raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest. Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking Generic Evista - Raloxifene. Alcohol and cigarette smoking may cause increased bone loss. Discuss with your doctor the use of these products.