Raloxifene manufactured by Eli Lily and Company under the trade name Evista is a multi-faceted drug. As a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), it performs both estrogenic activities and anti-estrogenic activities on bone, and on the breast and uterus respectively. Its estrogenic actions on bone prevents osteoporosis or abnormal loss of bony tissue in postmenopausal women.

As per an announcement made on April 17, 2006, Evista (Raloxifene) was labeled on equal terms with tamoxifen in decreasing the occurrence of breast cancer in specific classes of women with high risk. However, when compared to tamoxifen, patients taking Raloxifene showed a lowered risk of thromboembolic effects and cataracts. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Evista (Raloxifene) for cutting down the danger of incursive breast cancer in women post-menopause with osteoporosis and in women post-menopause carrying a greater risk for incursive breast cancer.

Drug Description

Generic Evista as both estrogen agonist and antagonist is available in the form of tablet for oral administration. You’ll find each and every Evista tablet containing 60 mg of Raloxifene Hydrochloride which is the active ingredient in this drug. There are also a number of inactive ingredients making this drug complete. These include carnauba wax, anhydrous lactose, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, modified pharmaceutical glaze, titanium dioxide, and propylene glycol. Generic Evista pill can be identified through its off-white to pale-yellow color and is faintly solvable in water.

Indication & Usage

Generic Evista (Raloxifene) is indicated in postmenopausal women for treating and preventing osteoporosis. Due to its anti-estrogenic actions, the oral drug is also indicated in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis for reducing the danger of invasive or incursive breast cancer. While treating or preventing osteoporosis, patients are given supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D along with their diet if the day-to-day consumption is not sufficient.

Contraindications

Evista is contraindicated in a number of cases. Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant and may become pregnant are advised not to take generic Evista. In addition, women who have active or past history of venous thromboembolic cases such as pulmonary embolism (blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot), deep vein thrombosis, and retinal vein thrombosis should not use Raloxifene. It is also not advised in case of women with known allergic reactions to Raloxifene or any of its ingredients.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of generic Evista (Raloxifene) may include sweating, hot flashes, or leg spasms. These effects usually fade away with the passage of time. However, inform your doctor immediately if the side effects hold on or aggravate. Sometimes, the use of Raloxifene may lead to an uncommon side effectlike forming of severe clots in the lungs, legs, or eyes. Seek emergency medical help if you suffer from improbable but serious adverse effects such as difficulty breathing, angina, swelling or pain in leg, or vision alterations. Any new side effect must be brought to your physician’s notice straightway.