There are 221 ratings for the drug: EVISTA in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for evista: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken		Date Added
				F  M
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5	osteoporosis	None	I went through menopause at 45. My mother has severe osteoporosis and I had osteopenia. My doctor decided to try evista for the hormone-like properties and the osteopenia. I have been on evista for eight years. My bone density has improved significantly and I have no side effects. I have had no menopausal symptoms either. My mother was on actonel for twenty five years. Her bone density continually worsened. After several fractures she is on the IV medication which has improved her bone density. I am staying on Evista	F	54	8 years		1/31/2010
1	osteopenia	back pain that would not go away and joint pain in my toes and fingers.I had a knot to come in the joint of my little finger very painful soon after taking the medication.		F	61	24 months		1/29/2010
1	osteoporosis/dr. recommend	took Actonel and Boniva in the past. Had GI/digestive problems. Dr./gyn recommended Evista, but since reading all the side effects in this posting, will not get prescription filled. Will try alternative means.		F	47			1/19/2010
1	osteopenia	Headache, calf pain and leg muscle spasms.	I have only taken this drug for 4 days. I began experiencing calf pain and muscle spasms. My lower back and some of my joints already ache. I will not take this anymore especially after reading these comments. Why don't doctors ever read these websites? Several years ago I took Fosomax and had many side effects and my doctor would not believe it came from this drug. Most of these side effects did not disappear for several years. I still have problems in the morning walking. My doctor was aware of the side effects I had from Fosomax so prescribed Evista. She did not believe I would get the same side effects. I'll work on getting my bone loss under control another way other than these drugs which doesn't improve my quality of life.	F	57	4 days		1/16/2010
1	Osteoporosis	hot flashes, muscle pain, terrible cramps in feet and legs, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea, weight gain. Also, when I stopped Evista for a period of about one week due to surgery I had vaginal bleeding and needed a D&C	I am getting off of the drug after four years. It is difficult to get off....Difficult to sleep, feeling low, etc. Would appreciate advice as to how best to get off. So far I am reducing the dosage VERY slowly!	F	68	4 years		1/16/2010
3	HRT Replacement	Taking for the past year to get off Premarin - incredible hot flashes, severe tendonitis in right thumb, for the past 1 1/2 months have been having bouts with vertigo and dizziness, especially when turning over in bed.	Am going to talk to my doctor about the vertigo and dizziness. I can tolerate the hot flashes, but not the vertigo.	F	57	1 days		1/13/2010
1	Osteopenia	My Evista side effects were- hot flashes, body aches (especially hips and knees), GI distress, tiredness, weakness, eye problems (floaters and blurred vision), calf pains and cramps, toe and finger pains, fogginess (trouble concentrating and remembering), headaches, insomnia and sinus problems, hair loss, weight gain, increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.	I was on Evista for three years and three months. It was the worse thing I ever did. I can not tell you how horrible it made me feel and how great I felt once I stopped taking it. I kept telling my GYN doctor how it was effecting me and he kept telling me that it wasn't the Evista. Well, after all of the horrible side effects I just stopped taking it and within days felt 100% better. I no longer have hot flashes, GI distress, headaches, trouble concentrating or remembering. I am sleeping fine. I went back to my regular weight and have kept it that way. I no longer have body aches or calf pains. DO NOT believe them when they say the side effects are NOT due to Evista. THEY ARE! I went through one year with a GI doctor and numerous tests and he couldn't understand why I had this constant abdominal pain and I couldn't eat any normal food without getting a stomach ache. I was living on toast and soup. After I stopped Evista I could eat normally again and haven't had any GI problems since! Please believe me when I tell you not to take it! Oh, and to top it off my bone density results got even worse while I was on it! So, now I just take my multivitamin, Calcium and Vitamin D. I would rather take my chances this way then to ever go through that again!	F	54	3 years		1/13/2010
2	osteoporosis	Almost daily all-day headaches,sinus infection, intermittant bouts of insomnia, "electrical shock" in hand that has already had carpal tunnel release, vision deterioration, upper right abdominal discomfort(feels like my gall bladder is back after removal 3 years ago), cough. Just finished antibiotics for a sinus infection, but have now developed a bronchial cough (I am asthmatic). Started searching for Evista side effects due to abdominal discomfort I've had for about a month.	Darn! Was hoping for an easy fix. Comments here have certainly opened my eyes. Have to rate Evista a 2 since I have no idea if it's helped my osteoporosis.	F	55	6 weeks		1/11/2010
5	osteopoenia	None	A much easier way of taking medication than my Mother had with her osteoporosis. Dexa scans have shown bone density in my spine has increased.	F	67	7.5 years		1/7/2010
1	Osteoporosis	I went on Evista in October 2006. After one week I started feeling joint pain in my right thumb, right lower back, and right knee. My doctor dismissed these side effects as signs of old age. I continued taking it through mid December. I was told I could take these med at night before bed as I was also experiencing nausea throughout the day. In November I noticed that I was having a hard time swallowing. By December I could hardly swallow at all and the pain was awful. An Endoscopy showed that Evista had burned ulcers in my esophogus. I now have to take Prilosec every day or the ulcers come back.	It's been three years since I was on Evista and I still feel like a very old person who can barely get out of bed. I have muscle and joint pain that I never had before. Stopping Evista did not make these symptoms go away and I fear I have permanent damage. I'm seeing a specialist now who wants to put me on Reclast intravenously. I am terrified to try another bone drug as Fosomax made me suffer with an intense rash for months until I could get a cortisone injection. These drugs are the devil. Think very hard before agreeing to take them. Apparently the doctors don't view these sites. I wish I had before I took Evista and ruined my health possibly permanently.	F	55	3 months		1/5/2010
2	osteoporosis	hot flashes at times (feels like a fever); NAUSEA, sometimes much worse than others; more depressed; tired; and possible sporadic blood pressure increase.	I rarely have side effects from meds. Does evista cause nausea? I take it at night so I'm less nauseated while I work. Don't always take it as I feel so bad. I never complain about medicine, but I think it's evista that is making me feel so bad. Anyone else with nausea?	F	61	12 months		1/3/2010
1	BONE LOSS	I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I AM READING IT IS AS IF I WROTE ALL OF IT MYSELF. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY ALSO. I TOOK IT FOR 9 DAYS AND FELT THE EFFECTS AFTER TAKING THE 1ST PILL. I COULDN'T GET OUT OF BED TO WALK MY LEGS WOULDN'T MOVE. HOW DO U TELL PEOPLE THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND. ALOT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME I CAN TELL THEY DIDN'T. THE PAIN IN MY LEGS AND KNEES WERE SO UNBEARABLE I STOPPED TAKING IT AFTER 9 DAYS. THEY SHOULD TAKE THIS CRAP OFF THE MARKET AND WE SHOULD ALL GET A GOOD LAWYER.	I CALLED MY DR. AFTER THE 1ST 3 DAYS AND SHE SAID GIVE IT A WEEK AND SEE IF I STILL GOT THE PAIN I DID WORST. SO I STOPPED TAKING IT AFTER 9 DAYS AND READING THIS SITE. GOD BLESS U GUYS FOR DOING THIS SO OTHERS CAN READ WHAT CRAP THAT IS. WHO KNOWS WHAT PERMENENT DAMAGE WE DID NOW TO OUR BODIES. ME I'M TAKING MY CHANCES WITH OVER THE COUNTER PILLS. THANK U AND GOD BLESS.	F	53	9 days		12/22/2009 Email
3	Breast Health - diagnosed with ADH	I began taking Evista Sep 2008. I was diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplaysia back in 2000 and not until last year did I have any reoccurance. I have ADH in both breasts. I have been a runner for 15 years and worked out at the gym religiously for 15 years. After taking Evista I have little energy, experiencing hip and knee pain which I never had before, feel very old, pain at night when I try to turn over in bed, shortness of breath. I really have to push myself to go on a jog now - no energy or motivation. I keep jogging but not near the mileage I have had in the past.	I went off Kariva (birth control) and on Evista the next day (last Sep 2008). I did experience serious hot flashes but I attributed most of those to menopause. After going off Kariva I never had another period so I experienced menopause and side effects of Evista all in one swoop so it's hard to say which of these issues has caused my joint pain, hot flashes, etc. I will continue to take the medicine until I experience other serious side effects like high cholestoral or high blood pressure or high triglycerides - before I took the Evista all these numbers were very low - other than breast health I am in excellent shape. I did have a lumpectomy in each breast to remove the ADH and have had good checkups in both breasts since taking Evista.	F	54	1.5 years		12/14/2009 Email
1	Ductal Carcinoma in Situ one breast	Anxiety, anger, calf and hip pain/soreness, hotflashes one per hour or more, including at night, which resulted in poor sleep. Weight gain, but don't know what to attribute that to.. hysterectomy in 2007.	Doctor gave me blood pressure medicine to reduce my hot flashes, which helped, but then, it had side effects which I didn't like.	F	55	3 months		12/4/2009
5		I went on Evista in 2002 after I had a breast nodule removed that was close to cancerous. I also had osteoporosis in one hip. A dexa scan of my bones 3 years later showed that the ostoporosis in that one hip was now osteopenia. I was thrilled with those results. I've never noticed any side effects whatsoever.	Recently I heard Evista could cause weight gain. I have gained about 25 lb since 2002, but I also had a total hysterectomy that same year so I attributed the weight gain from that. Now I am wondering if I would lose weight if I go off. However, the risk of getting breast cancer scares me since breast cancer rates in our geographical area is extremely high.	M	59	8 years		11/28/2009
1	Breast Cancer prevention	Very painful hip joints. Just turning over in bed at night was difficult. Hot flashes and sweats that got very uncomfortable. Foggy brain and forgetfulness. Anxiety higher than before. Stinging sensation occasionally in my arms. Insomnia. Weight gain that will not come off no matter what I do.	After much hesitation I started Evista after my doctor told me that it would be a good drug for breast cancer prevention. After one year I have decided to stop taking this drug. The thought of blood clots is scary and my symptoms have increased over time. I've been reading about bioidentical hormone therapy and will go with that. After 10 days of being off Evista I feel so much better!	F	54	1 years		11/27/2009
1	Osteoporosis	1992 started taking Evista. Very gradual onset of acid reflux; escalated to feelings of constant churning where esophagus meets stomach. This evolved over a period of 4 years. Meanwhile, Dr. had no clue that Evista was cause. Stopped taking Evista and w/in 48 hrs. churning/crawling sensation stopped! Still have acid reflux and have needed Pepcid ever since. Now nausea accompanies reflux. Evista erodes esophagus; permanent damage.	GET THIS NASTY RX OFF THE MARKET. DON'T BELIEVE YOUR DR.'S DENIAL WHEN YOU ARE SUSPICIOUS OF TRUTH. DOCTORS BELIEVE THEIR PHARMACEUTICAL REP OVER ALL OTHERS! TRUST YOUR OWN INTUITION.	F	67	4 years		11/21/2009
1	Osteoporosis	Actually have not start to take the drug. Had a very bad reaction to Fosomax and doctor put me on Evista. After reviewing all the comments, afraid to take it. I think I will try increasing Calcium Vitamin D intake. Don't know what to do really		F	60	0 days		11/19/2009
1	osteoporosis	Have experienced numbness at night in both my feet, but most of all my arms and hands are easily bruised, leaving me with ugly purple spots, and the veins on my hands appear to be swollen.	I have decided to discontinue use and in just 2 weeks the veins on my hands now look rather normal. Don't know if this is just a coincidence. My dr. doesn't agree with me, says I have fragile capilllaries! I will stay off it til the end of the year and see if there is any improvement. Anybody else have symptons like this?	F	74	8 years		11/5/2009
5	Osteoporosis	NO side effects! Contrary to postings here, I have plenty of energy and I am not hungry all the time.	I cried when I took the first pill because I had horrible side effects with Actonel. I have had no side effects with Evista so far. With Actonel, it was horrible the first day! Thank God!	F		1 weeks		10/1/2009
1	to prevent breast cancer		I did not take this medicine because of this website. I don't have breast cancer and will change my diet to an aklaline diet for prevention	F	59	0 days		9/24/2009
1	osteopenia	Terrible hip and knee joint pain; hot flashes; mood swings.	I will not take this medication again! Had ovaries out at age 19, so have been on estrogen many years. Was taken off 18 months ago and put on this stuff. Have gone off it 2 times, and back on...and the same symptoms have reoccurred. I've been off 4 days now, and already can tell a difference with my hip and knees!!! YEA	F	62	18 months		9/16/2009
1	after tamoxifen for breast ca preve	toe pain, feet pain and heaviness, joint pain, depression, weight gain, memory loss, feeling like bug stinging skin, finger joint stiffness and pain, headaches,	I took evista for 5 months.First symptom was toe pain especially in one foot. Then I developed joint pain. Hard to get up and get going, very stiff. Bottom of feet feel like my body is 100 pounds too heavy. Have gained 20 pounds, especially in stomach. Feels like bug is stinging your skin at times. Fingers are stiff. Did not relate the med to symptoms till someone mentioned it. Have been off x 6 weeks. No better!!! Feel like I have aged 50 years and don't know how I'll make another 10 like this. Hope this gets better soon!!! The drug is poison. Wish I had never started it.	F	55	5 months		9/12/2009
1	osteopenia	unexplained numbness in toes of left foot, leg,arm, face and right hand and arm. Swollen and warm vein in left leg. Inability to concentrate, short term memory loss. Increased blood pressure, and sore nipples/breasts.	I finally started taking this drug 4 months after it was prescribed to me for osteopenia. I was leary of the side effects, but was assured by the obgyn and family dr that it was ok. Within the first week I noticed my middle toes of left foot getting numb. Then I had uncontrolled jerking in my left thumb, and bad low back pain. Family dr prescribed an xray and MRI of the brain to rule out MS or stroke. Next my right hand/arm went numb and I had the warm swollen vein in my lower leg on the 30th day and last pill I took. 6 days later I had to leave work and go to the ER with same symptoms and really high blood pressure. Brain MRI was the same day and all tests came back normal. I noticed all my symptoms occured during the 30 days I took this drug. Now 10 days after stopping it today the numbness has spread up my leg and into my face. I haven't been able to concentrate at work and am having trouble typing this now. I am scheduled for a nerve conduction study in 2 weeks, but am now convinced this drug made me sick. I am going to try to detox my body to get it out of my system. If anyone has helpful advice for speeding the process up, please share it with everyone, or email me please. I do notice that the symptoms are worse in the morning and tend to get better as the day goes on, as I work through it.	F	50	30 days		9/5/2009 Email
1	osteoporosis	serious short term memory loss	my mother's doctor put her on evista as a preventative measure a couple yrs ago, and she experienced serious short-term memory loss. She was tested for early alzheimers, but they found nothing. Her bone density had always tested as good to normal before the evista. I mentioned her memory loss & being on evista to my OB/GYN, who asked "why in the world would someone put her on evista". She said the Evista could definitely be the cause of her memory loss. We lost about 4 good years with my mother. She has been off for about 3 months, and the short term memory loss has great improved. I thought mom mother was mentally gone for good, it is good to have her back. Mother's age 78. Both doctors said evista should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary.	F	45	4 years		8/20/2009
1	osteopenia	hip pain, back of upper leg pain, constant nausea, constant stomach ache and a feeling that "something wasn't right", increase in occurance and severity of all IBS symptoms, headache, minor hot flashes and stuffy feeling of closeness- almost claustrophobia-like, sleeplessness, wrist pain	I could have lived with the hot flashes which were minor. The stomach problems and leg pain led me to call my doctor, who took me off the drug today. We'll take our chances with increased Vitamin D, calcium, and weight-bearing exercise. I'm definitely NOT a complainer, but two months of an unacceptable quality of life was enough.	F	59	2 months		8/4/2009
3	Breast Cancer Prevention	4 years ago I was put on a 5 year Evista program because I was considered high risk for breast caancer. The reason I came to this web site is becase I have always felt that Evista is the cause for other medical problems that started shortly after starting the Evista an no matter what else I do, I can't seem to get rid of. Since I have been on Evista, I have gained about 20 lbs, I am always hot, I suffer leg and foot cramps, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, blurred vision and problems sleeping. These problems all started after I started taking Evista. My doctor does not acknowledge any of these side effects as being caused by the Evista, but he has given me perscriptions for each of my side effects so now I take 4 additional medications for the side effects and I have had 2 new eye glass perscriptions that does not help when the vision is blurred. I don't know if I would have had these problems anyway but after reading everyone's comments and realizing that I am not crazy in thi		F	61	4 years		8/1/2009
4	Reduce Breast Cancer Probability	I went from having too much estrogen to non at all, after my ovaries were removed after having a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. I had significant skeletal problems, but never made a connection between joint problems and a lack of estrogen. An oncologist suggested this medication, and I must say it has helped me walk better. Honestly, this medication has caused me to feel better. Please pray that BC is not a part of my future.	This meedicine is very expensive, but I pray that it will allow me to reduce my cancer risk factors. I have taken it for the fast 2 weeks.	F	43	14 days		7/30/2009 Email
2	osteopenia	HOT FLASHES, short term memory loss. NOTE: I stated I've taken it 3 weeks because that is most current. I took it for about 6 months a year ago.	Took Evista for several months, then my insurance changed and it was WAY too expensive, so my doctor switched me to generic Fosamex. I don't recall having any side effects from it. I know Boniva has some strange properties that you can't lie down until after an hour after you take it, etc. but what has worked for you?	F	58	3 weeks		7/30/2009
2	osteoporosis		I didn't have any side effects since have not taken Evista yet. My estrogen levels are low and it looks like that is the cause of my osteo (very common cause for men). I am trying to work with my Dr. to decide if I would be a good candidate for Evista, considering it's side effects. I know it's not recommended for men, but seems like a safer path to me than bisphosphonates.	M	58			7/18/2009 Email
1	breast cancer prevention	dizziness, experiences a floating feeling, extreme stiffness in my legs, leg and toe cramping, general feeling that something wasn't quite right	I did take Evista for a while and over time my stiffness and general feeling of "wellness" kept getting weaker. When I developed the dizziness and the feeling that I was going to lose consciousness, I went to see my doctor. I could not blame this on getting older. My GP was not the Dr who gave me the prescription, she only mentioned side effects of Evista in passing. I decided to do some reading. Upon finding this site and reading the comments I understood that most of my complaints were really side effects of Evista. I quit taking it 6 days ago. I feel better already!	F	57	14 months		7/13/2009
1	Osteopenia	Leg & toe cramps, night sweats, muscle aches, hair loss, body stiff all over, (I have had Reynaud's all my life, but perhaps Evista accelerated it's effects).	I read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a trial of over 100,000 participants being stopped, due to the severity of the side effects! At that time, I had been taking Evista for 5 years. I went to this website and identified with a lot of the side effects listed. I quit. I faxed my doctor a note that I was quitting 9/30/08. All of the side effects have not gone away, but some have and the remaining ones have diminished in intensity. I now take NO prescriptions and feel better than I have for a long time.	F	72	5 years		7/10/2009
2	bone loss	Took evista for approx 4 years with no health side effects. Just changed to fosamax because most recent bone dentisty test showed further loss. Have taken two 70 mg once weekly doses on a Sunday. Headache the first day, gone by the end of the day. Drank lots of water!!!!! And ate very lightly. Had constipation that lasted until Thurs of that week. I have always been very regular. 2nd dose past Sun, no headache, but continued constipation. Very frustrating. I'll contact my dr before taking another dose after reading all the horrible side effects of fosamax. Maybe I'll just take my chances with no medication. But mother has severe scoliosis in the back.		F	58	4 years		7/9/2009
3	osteoporosis	I didn't have any side effects with Evista. I took the daily dose for 2 years, but it didn't help improve bone loss when I had my last bone density scan. I tried boniva---big mistake!!! Will talk to my Dr. about something else		F	56	2 years		7/8/2009
1	Osteoporosis	I took Evista for 4 years with some leg cramps. Decided to get off the drug and try natural remedies. My bone loss continued so got back on Evista one year ago and am now experiencing most of the symptoms listed on this website. Especially leg cramps, sleeplessness, weight gain, annoying cough and muscle aches. I have taken myself off the drug as of today.		F	65	1 years		7/8/2009
2	Osteopenia	Side Effects: Bad foot & toe cramps (toes stiffen up and bend away in an un-normal direction - mostly at night), 10-15 lbs weight gain especially around belly (thought gain was due to thyroid but that checked out OK), chronic rhinitis, stuffy nose, & asthamtic wheezing (thought I had developed bad allergies this late in life. Taking allergy preventatives now). Sometimes at night while lying in bed, my legs ache horribly like I have been on them all day. Body is very stiff upon getting up in the morning. Use to be extremely limber, no longer. Probably one of the worst effects I have is short term memory loss. I thought it was just the aging process until I starting reading these comments! Someone can tell me something at work and I have problems retaining the information. I have resorted to taking notes or jotting things down. The whole situation is very embarrassing. I have a Master's so it is not a learning disability. Sometimes I need things explained or repeated several time	Dr. prescribed Evista for osteopenia and to help prevent breast cancer. My mother had really bad osteoperosis and I was trying to prevent. I never gave birth so am a higher risk for breast cancer. Upon taking Evista, I immediately gained weight 10-15 lbs which I can't seem to lose for the life of me. I googled side effects because the literature that came with Evista said not to take with estrogen. I use Premarin, an estrogen cream. Doctor never discussed taking this combination. Still not sure if topical cream is ok or if they were only referring to oral estrogens, will research further. Plan on discontinuing Evista and doing weight bearing exercise & taking Calc & Vit D on a regular basis. Thank you for this site. It was invaluable!	F	55	4 years		7/5/2009 Email
3	Doctor recommended for osteopinea	My doctor recommended Evista for borderline osteopinea. I took it for several years with no serious side effects. I did gain weight and had some stomach problems. Last year, my doctor switched me to once a month Actonel. I took it for about 9 months with many severe side effects. I had terrible stomach upset at first, but that got some better. I had tightness in my chest, severe hip pain, leg pain, foot pain, muscle pain, bone pain, and sholder pain. I hurt so bad in my hip and leg one day and night that I cried and screamed. I thought I would have to go to the emergency room. Nothing seem to help. The next day it was some better. I decided I would call the doctor and get her to prescribe Evista again. I have been back on Evista for 2 and 1/2 weeks. I am not having the severe bone and joint pain, but, I am having other symptoms. I am having insomnia. I have had some depression.. Also, I have been having some breast pain and stomach problems. The reason I got on the inter	I prefer Evista over Actonel. However, I wish there was something for osteopinea that wouldn't cause such symptoms.	F	62	5 years		6/7/2009
3	Osteoporosis	I noticed someone a while back mentioned hair loss. I've been taking Evista for 6 months, and seemed to be tolerating it well. But then over the last 2 months, I've noticed that I'm losing a lot more hair than usual and can't think of anything else that has changed in my life. In fact, I'm retired now so should be stress-free! I also have to admit that I can't hold thoughts in my head for more than a few seconds, but hadn't put this down to Evista until reading other comments below. Did also have Reynards during the winter a bit, but my 92 old mother has that, so I've probably inherited the gene.	Obviously won't know whether Evista has worked until I have my next DEXA scan in 18 months time - if I stay on the drug that long.	F	61	6 months		6/3/2009 Email
1	Ostoepenia	After taking Evista for a month, I had severe leg and ankle pain and cramps,tingling feelings and terrible edema. I went to the doctor who told me this wasn't a side effect. After taking Evista for 3 more months, I saw the doctor again who said this WAS a side effect in 4 % of the population and to stop the medication. For over a year, I have continued to have leg pains, severe pins and needle feelings in my legs at night, and not feeling myself. I am unable to tolerate salt without leg swelling. I have also had anxious feelings, blurred vision and depression. I have trouble concentrating and finishing things due to the discomfort.	To relieve the symptoms, I was started on HRT therapy which seems to have it's own problems. The doctor's don't even acknowledge that my symptoms are from Evista. I am so relieved to read about others with similar problems, especially after stopping Evista. I am really concerned about the lack of information in the medical community regarding the fairly severe adverse and long term effects of this medication. I felt fine before I started Evista and have not been the same since although it has been almost 2 years. Is there a treatment to reverse the long term effects?	F	52	4 months		5/20/2009
1	Osteopenia	After 7 days I developed hip, knee and ankle pain so severe I couldn't walk for two days. Also pain in elbows, fingers and neck. Pretty much every joint	I tried Actonel last year with the same results. My doctor assured me I wouldn't have this type of reaction with Evista. Do the doctors even read the side effects or just listen to what the drug reps tell them. I am Never taking any of these types of drugs again! Fortunately, I was using the samples so am not out any cash for this crap.	F	58	7 days		5/6/2009
2	for osteoporosis	leg cramps, pain all over body, hot flashes, migraine headaches, difficulty breathing, combination of constipation and diarrhea, bleeding when I went off of it for awhile for surgery, followed by a D & C.	Can someone tell me the best way to get off of Evista? I am now taking it 3 times a week and have developed severe migraine headaches and trouble sleeping. Should I continue to go off slowly or just stop it all at once?	F	67	3 years		4/29/2009
2	osteopenia	Having the mentioned symptoms¡Xpainful knee and joints, occasionally leg and toes cramps, chill, memory and concentration problem, diagnosed very early cataracts two years ago, recently immunity dropped (take a long time for a cold to recover)	LDL dropped yearly(good)and osteopenia sudden improved at the third year¡¦s therapy, on stopping therapy for a week, mentioned symptom lessened a lot, not sure all caused by E, to me glucosamine sulphate improved joint pain	F	53	4 years		4/26/2009
1	osteoporosis	tendonitis in ankle after about six months on evista - stopped taking evista but ankle pain persists. have been wearing brace on ankle for about 6 months and have some slight improvement	actonel caused such sever lower back and hip pain that I passed out and landed in ER - Fosamax caused lump in jaw - evista caused tendon pain - I give up!! I'm just taking calcium and Vitamin D now.	F	68	6 months		4/19/2009
2	replacement for tamoxifen	Mental confusion! loss of sexual feelings/orgasm, very noticeable upper abdominal fat, continued cramping in calves.	I had to stop taking Evista because I was making too many mistakes at work. I could not keep anything in my head, like two numbers at a time. I could not concentrate on what I was doing. This was definitely caused by Evista, because my memory improved immediately after stopping the drug. I had tried Evista (raloxifene) as a replacement for tamoxifen because it is preventative for breast cancer, good for bones, possibly good for joints (I was having stiffness in knuckles & feet), and not a uterine lining stimulant (like tamoxifen is). Too bad I had to stop Evista due to its effect of mental confusion.	F	47	4 months		4/17/2009
2	osteopenia	I wasn't aware of any at the time, I thought it was aging..looking back, I feel differently	During the time I took Evista, I developed reynauds syndrome. No one, including myself, thought to attribute it to anything such as evista. Now, looking back, I wonder. I stopped taking it after 1 year, as I developed osteoperosis ( a worsening of my bone situation) and started on fosamax.. which I am now discontinuing. I have had reynauds now, for ten years. it never went away.	F	59	1 years		4/17/2009
1	osteoporosis	I was on Fosamax when I went for my semi-annual teeth cleaning. After looking at my x-ray, my hygenist and dentist both gasped. I went to an oral surgeon to rule out osteonecrosis. Thank god, I don't have that, but I do have bone loss in the jaw, everywhere actually. I went back to my gynecologist and she prescribed Evista. I am not going to have the prescription filled, though, after reading the accounts on this website. I am just ending 5 years of night sweats and hot flashes and there's no way I want to invite those back into my life, not to mention the leg pain and hip pain. Good grief, menopause takes an enormous toll on the body. I am increasing my exercise and calcium with Vitamin D and giving up the drugs.		F	55	0 days		4/2/2009
1	GYN suggested after Gale Model		I take no medicines except calcium supplements. I have never researched a drug before. Thank you so much for this site. Based on these I won't start Evista, but I am interested in those who have no adverse symptoms for balance. Where are their stories?	F	61			3/14/2009
1	osteopenia; intraductal hyperplasia	I just recently realized that the insidious development of the following symptoms is probably a result of taking Evista for the past 6 months. I noticed my flexibility/range of motion gradually becoming restricted (used to be very flexible). Severe sudden leg cramps (hamstrings and calves) and extremely painful feet. Pain in wrists and pain/stiffness in lower back, arthritis-like symptoms. Hot Flashes (post-menopause). Chills. Chronic morning cough. I am a non-smoking health freak, exercise daily and eat a heart-healthy diet. Oh, let's not forget development of teeth sensitivity with sudden need for expensive/painful root canal surgery! Cure seems to be worse than the disease.	I've tried all of the osteoporosis meds with poor results and bad side effects. From now on, I'll stick to the calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and search for alternative treatments.	F	55	6 months		3/4/2009
2	osteopenia	I have been experiencing a tightness in my chest that sends a sensation down both my arms. This started around the time I started Evista and has become more frequent and intense each year. I have had all kinds of tests including cat scans for both heart and lungs and nothing can be found. Never made a connection between the time relationship of taking Evista and the symptoms. Never had any of the side effects that others have experienced. Very strongly considering quiting Evista.	Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? I am also upset that Lily is fighting putting a generic form on the market and just got another delay in their favor. With the economy where it is it would be nice if they wouldn't be so greedy. Not everyone can afford $100+ per month.	F	62	6 years		2/26/2009 Email
2	Osteopenia	Just read all input - question: anyone else having TENDON problems? I got tendonitis of the foot (plantar fascitis) and also tendonitis of the elbow (tennis elbow) for no apparent reason. I am suspecting the Evista. Also horrific breast pain off and on - mamos show no problems. Weight gain. Nothing in the literature - I could not tolerate Boniva (horrible stuff-don't take it).		F	65	1 years		2/16/2009 Email
1	Breast cancer prevention	Anxiousness, hip pain, stiffness. In a fog. Just not myself. Hot flashes. Knee stiffness. Not sleeping through the night.	I have only been on a few weeks and just haven't felt right from day one. I was diagnosed with early breast cancer and doctors wanted me to take it to lower my chances of a return. I never felt good about being on it and after reading other comments I decided to stop it today. Not taking the drug scares me and taking it does.	F	50	2 weeks		1/31/2009 Email
1	bone density	just noticed after reading others comments that i too have these intense hot flashes night and day, leg cramps, my hip hurts so bad that i can't lay on it. my ankle and knee joints are so stiff when i get up that i feel 80 yrs old.	i may have my bone scan done this year and decide that i too will not continue taking this medication.next time a doctor trys to give me pills i will be more careful before taking them.	F	55	4 years		1/30/2009
1	osteopenia	I am wondering if anyone else has had Reynaud's syndrome symptoms while on Evista. My symptoms were fingers turning white and numb often last winter. I have been off Evista since last March due to surgeries, and chemo for Ovarian cancer. My Reynaud's symptoms have not recurred this winter.	In researching Evista recently, I also found that it has been shown on occasion to have some relation to ovarian cancer. I don't plan to take it again. I took it for about a year. I eat properly and exercise and take Calcium with D. Since I had a bad reaction to Fosamax too, I am hesitant to try any of the other medications on the market. I am almost more afraid of the side efects than the osteoporosis	F	74	1 years		1/12/2009
1	osteoporosis	None as I didn't start taking it yet - wanted to research it first. Went off Fosamax as caused osteoneocrosis. Bone scan this week showed more loss in spine, so gyn wrote RX for Evista	Dr. said no side effects. Take it as otherwise you are likely to break bones (am thin anyway). I think I am going to look for alternative. I exercise 6 days a week, have very healthy diet. Sounds like drs sold bill of goods by big pharma	F	64	0 days		1/11/2009
2	osteopenia	Pain in hips at night (can't sleep on my sides for long) but no pain when walking. Knee very stiff. Pain in one forearm and elbow (? E or a bike accident). Leg cramps. Hot flashes (mostly night). General stiffness. GERD (acid reflux).	I took it for about 8 months then quit in late December. The general stiffness has eased immediately but the knee is still tight. Still waiting to see how long the other issues take to subside. Anyone else with acid reflux issues? Mine is so severe I'm giving up coffee and wine...2 loves in my life!	F	54	8 months		1/7/2009 Email
1	Osteopenia	Leg and foot cramps, especially in the feet. I had cramping so long that it has led to a chronic tightening in my heel. I have also grown hoarse over the course of the last six months.	I just returned from a bone scan, and my bones have actually deteriorated, though not in extreme. The doc wants me off Evista, and on to another med, but I am going to go off everything for a while and see if the hoarseness resolves itself, though I am going to see a ENT next week to be sure. I was completely healthy until one year ago when I started taking this medicine. Though I don't know if it's the Evista, I didn't have the foot cramps or the hoarseness before. (The doc says the foot cramps are probably Evista, but not the hoarseness.)	F	61	15 months		1/6/2009
1	beginning of spine bone loss	breast pain, weight gain, insomnia, tendons hurt, I have sinusitis and won't go away, I got pneumonia, bronchitis, still have wheezing and cough, itching, sweating, my veins hurt, feels like something is rolling around and I can feel it. My doctor does not think it is a blood clot.	I hurt, do not think this is a good drug. Nor the other's for a weekly dose or monthly dose. My doctor said this was an old drug used for spines. I had a total hysterectomy 8 years ago due to intense bleeding.	F	46	2 years		1/6/2009
2	osteopenia	I have experienced severe knee and leg pain. I've also had some tingling and numbness in my upper leg. I had thought this was caused by a pinched nerve, and that may be, but after reading this site I think that also may have been caused by Evista. I stopped taking it a month ago, and my knees feel much better, and I am able to climb stairs more normally again.	This drug may be okay to take in the short term, but I'd not recommend it over a long period of time.	F	66	6 years		12/9/2008
2	Osteopenia/Osteoporosis	Hot flashes, leg cramps	The side effects were manageable, but the results were not satisfactory. After two years on Evista, my spine density decreased from -2.5 to -2.8. My hip decreased from -1.7 to -1.8. I am extremely active. I exercise every day and take Calcium and Vitamin D supplsments. Evista just didn't work for me so I'll have to check into other meds.	F	50	2 years		12/8/2008
1	bone density preventive breast canc	my mother was on evista and suffered a severe stoke.she had been in good health with the only other risk factor for a stroke was smoking.		F	60	10 months		11/25/2008
5	osteopenia	None	I am very annoyed by Lilly's decision to package Evista in those stupid blister packs, which take five minutes to open (then the pill disappears on the floor) and hurt my thumbs. What in the world was wrong with the loose pills in a bottle? Why add to the rubbish heap another bunch of useless packaging?	F	75	6 years		11/24/2008
2	prescribed by breast specialist	Thinning hair and change of hair texture (from coarse to fine,) heavy heart beat while reclning only; unexplainable, excrutiaing hip/thigh pain--like acid was being poured into my bones; headaches, flatulence, hot flashes (only at night) nausea. Blood pressure was always 90 over 80. Now it's suddenly 140 over 98. Worst of all is doing stupid things like turning off light when it's on-- instantaneous forgetfulness--Did I just shave my leg or not? Did I just hang up my coat?)	Have been to drs,surgeons, had CAT scan, thyroid check, every kind of blood work imaginable. I am positive this drug is causing these things. Am an active teacher and have not changed any habits. Do not take any drugs even aspirin. Am very physically active; have a huge house and many pets to care for. This drug has aged me 15 years in less than 8 weeks. After reading this site 5 minutes ago, I quit this drug. PERIOD!	F	62	2 months		11/24/2008
2	gynecologist	After 3 years of taking Evista my recent bone scan showed significant bone loss!! Fosamax made my muscles and joints hurt until I could hardly walk so my doctor switched me to Evista. Until now, I did not attribute hot flashes, insomnia and leg cramps to the Evista but after reading this website, I believe it could be the cause. My doctor now wants me to take the once-a-year injection but it too has all of the side-effects that Fosamax and Evista have.	I took calcium and Vitamin D along with the Evista and I was so disappointed when I got the results of my bone scan. I thought that I was doing the best thing possible to prevent bone loss.	F	62	3 years		11/24/2008 Email
5	bone strength ..have osteoporosis	none	One huge beneficial result of taking Evista... my cholesterol dropped from 244 to 195... with no changes in lifestyle or diet…	F	70	5 years		11/2/2008
2	my doctor reccommeded it.	I retrain fluid and have gained 8 pounds over two years. I thought it was my thyroid, but have since learned after extensive testing my medication for hypothyroid is fine. I have taken Evista since 2003 and have wondered about the weight gain as well as fluid retention. As of 4 days ago, I stopped taking Evista. I still take Fosamax weekly with no problem. I also take 1500 mg of calcium and 1200 I.U. of Vitamin D. I may up the calcium to 2000mg and Vitamin D to 1600.	I feel so much better after 4 days of taking myself off this medication. I have also lost at least half of my hair which I blamed on my thyroid. I was always hot and my kids complained I keep my house like a refridgerator. I would like to read some other comments. What did you tell your doctor? I have not said anything so far.	F	68	5 years		11/2/2008
1	anti-osteoporis/breast CA	Massive, bilateral pulmonary blood clots	Am lucky to be alive - now docs worry about my increased risk of uterine &/or ovarian cancer. Avoid this drug - the risk is too high for the potential benefit	F	67	2 years		10/22/2008
1			please don't flush any of this stuff down the drain! It ends up in someone else's tap water.	F	58			10/14/2008
2	osteopenia	I haven't had the varied side effects some have listed, but I have had some severe muscle issues the past few months and just this weekend I told my husband, "I wonder if Evista could be causing the problems"? He said I should google...and here I am. I first noticed severe tightness/pain in my middle finger, right hand, to the point I could sometimes not even stretch my fingers out w/o feeling it (much less gently pulling it back more than 10-15%). Compared to the left hand, it seemed like a stark contrast. Also have experienced muscle tenderness in both forearms, either at the wrist or just above elbow crease. Little different in both arms. The pain this weekend seems to have been the most severe I've had since this started. Have had a lot of sleeplessness, just associating it with going through menopause a couple of years ago, but now not so sure it's not the Evista. I will call my Dr. and tell her I probably will not continue, as I don't like the pain (and I have a	I figured this was the only drug for preventing osteoporosis that I could take (as did my Dr.) since I had breast cancer 6 yrs. ago. I don't know if it has had time to improve my score for the bone scan, or not...but I don't think it's going to matter. I don't want to continue experiencing this pain as it hurts almost constantly, being extreme when I exert arms/fingers for any little task!	F	55	6 months		9/29/2008 Email
2	osteoporosis	I have had increased hot flashes, and have also had leg cramps at night. Since I have been on this drug for quite some time it has taken me a while to put two and two together. Now I realize that the hoarse voice I have been treating is probably from Evista. I have gone to three different doctors for my voice, but no one said it might be Evista. In fact the doctors all dismissed my claim that I thought it was Evista causing my problem. I have fibromyalgia and the increased muscle pain was attributed to that. Now I believe part of my pain was Evista. The hot flashes have been awful.	As of five days ago I have stopped Evista. I still take Calcitonin for my osteoporosis. My voice is already getting better	F	63	5 years		9/11/2008
1	beginning osteoporosis	Serious pain, restlessness in joints and muscles, sensitive teeth, hot flashes, depression	Thank you thank you for this site. Reading the "possible side effects" which come with the medicine did not affect my thinking, since I thought I was simply "getting old" (I'm 64) but reading personal experiences which were like my own made me stop this medication. I began to feel 20 years younger in a matter of days. I had been on Evista for three years. I would seriously rather have osteoporosis than the pain which this medicine caused. I will be much more careful about supporting the drug companies after this; I am so happy to be drug free!	F	64	3 years		9/9/2008
1	osteoporosis	Rheumatologist insists my dex scans are getting worse (after all, I'm getting older...duh). She called the RX into my pharmacy and I picked it up before researching the drug. After seeing this site, theres no way I will take it. Thank you all for telling the truth. Fact is, I should have known better. Our mothers never worried about bone density. My mom never had a broken bone, maybe because she ate and exercised sensibly. Anyway, thats my plan of action. The pills are going down the toilet!! Thanks again to y'all.		F	68	0 days		8/25/2008 Email
1	osteoporosis, cholesterol, serm	Very bad sciatica pain in the glute and throbbing pain down leg, inside of knee and numbness and tingling on top of foot and between toes. I am relieved to see others have had some similar symptoms and have posted them so I could learn from this! and I am done taking this drug. I am very active and have had to curtail my workouts and have wasted lots of money with MRI's and visiting the chiropractor and an orthopedic surgeon. I trust these side effects will all dissipate soon - I think I can figure out the bone density thing without this stupid drug. If my symptoms do go away I would like to contemplate how I can get reimbursed for all the money I have wasted.		F	52	5 months		8/18/2008
4	Mom has had bc and bad osteoporosis	Sweating, weight gain I had attributed to menopause but after reading these comments, maybe it's the Evista	I don't know if the drug is working but then I haven't broken any bones or developed breast cancer either!	F	54	2 years		7/22/2008
2	osteopenia	severe numbness at night (fingers on right hand/I am right-handed if that matters--carpal tummel perhaps?); calves numb at night which wake me several times	Began taking in July 2007. Symptoms appeared after 7 months. Hand numbness/extreme pain at night. Has subsided at night, but occasionally lose sense of touch. Migraines (never had them before). Weight gain of 12-15 pounds (started after4 months on E), may be attributed to inability to work out or exercise--feels like I'm wearing cement shoes, sluggishness in legs; takes a lot of effort to focus, trouble recalling names, facts; I am lucky if I sleep 5 hours in a row (restlessness, fitful, dreams, then the leg aches awaken me).	F	52	12 months		7/17/2008
2	To prevent osteoporosis	occasional joint pain, especially in knuckles; subconjunctival hemorrhage (I am not sure if this is directly related to Evista, Actonel, or Fosamax D, but I have discontinued all)	My doctor prescribed Evista about 6 years ago because I went through early menopause and she was worried about Osteoporosis. A bone scan a couple of years later showed that I had osteopenia so she added Actonel to my prescribed meds. I took Actonel for about 4 yrs. and recently was swithched to Fosamax D because Actonel was moved to a Tier 3 drug. Since Jan. I have had broken blood vessels in my right eye along with swelling. Doctors don't find anything, but they are occurring at the rate of 1 time per week. I took myself off of Evista and Fosamax D to see if it will improve.	F	53	6 years		7/9/2008
2	Osteopenia	Nausea & flu-like symptoms, depression, extreme anxiety (including "skin-on-fire" sensations), hot flashes, insomnia, some blurred vision.	I took 60mg of Evista for just 6 days and was beginning to notice some depression. On the 7th day, all the other symptoms hit in full force so I stopped taking it. For 3 days I experienced extreme anxiety & the other side effects. Then it decreased to "significant" anxiety, which lifted somewhat by late afternoon, plus the hot flashes & insomnia. It's my 6th day of no Evista (after taking it for only 6 days) & the symptoms still remain. I may try taking a half dose once or twice a week if & when these symptoms subside, or may decide to take only non-prescription measures. I've already tried Fosamax & Actonel but experienced jaw pain with them. I was glad to find this website and see I wasn't the only one who experienced the extreme anxiety but wish I'd known this was a possible side effect up front.	F	54	6 days		7/7/2008
2	GynocoloIgist recommended it	I may be experiencing some vision problems...just starting to notice it and am not sure. I have been on it for one month. Was recommended because of possible cancer gene in my family and for osteopenia. I haven't notice any other side effects.	I went to get vaccines for travel and asked the nurse if Evista was safe when flying. She said not to use it when flying as potential for blood clots.	F	58	30 days		7/6/2008
3	bone loss	At times I have foot and front of leg cramps. Noticed they came if I had coffee(caffeine) or an alcoholic drink in the evening. I have been taking the drug over a year now and had stopped taking it two years ago when I was prescribed Diamox to lower the pressure on my eye (had silicone in eye for 10 years to keep my retina in place.) At that time, I discontinued the Evista as I was having bad side effects (I believe from the combination of drugs). Loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhea. I am doing OK with the Evista now that I no longer need to take Diamox.(had the silicone removed from my eye.) And I don't have caffeine or an alcoholic drink later in the day/evening.		F	69	18 months		7/3/2008
1	osteopenia	My side effects, which I didn't attribute to Evista at first, were trouble sleeping, weight gain, and difficulty writing without my hand shaking and moving almost involuntarily. I didn't connect any of these things to Evista. Then,I needed some dental surgery, and when the dentist asked if I was taking any of these kinds of drugs, he told me I'd have to stop taking the Evista for at least 3 weeks prior to the dental surgery. Well, lo and behold, once I stopped the Evista, these little problems all began to disappear. I finally realized that it was the Evista causing them and I never took it again. Unfortunately, did you know that it remains in your system at half life for about 10 years!!! I've been having a problem with toe cramps lately, and I'll bet it's the Evista!! Don't take it if you can take something else instead!!		F	63	2 years		6/28/2008
2	Hyperplasia and osteoporosis	frequent urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginitis, heartburn, ankle, wrist, knee pain, loss of libido	When I started this drug, I experienced severe leg cramps. Doctor told me to drink small quantities of quinine water the first few weeks and the pain went away. However, this drug has created havic with my urintary tract because of loss of estrogen. I have had probably 6-8 UTI's since I started the meds 1 1/2 years ago. I have my yearly physical with my gynocologist and this will be a major topic of discussion. I'm 99% sure I'll be stopping this drug; the quality of my life has gone down hill ever since I started Evista.	F	61	18 months		6/25/2008
1	Osteopenia.	Severe calf cramps but wasn't aware of connection to Evista. Also exacerbated migraines, I suspect. Could have contributed to hot flashes and sleep problems, but cannot be certain.	Prescribed Evista by OBGYN, at 55 when DexaScan showed mild Osteopenia (family history). 2 years later, New Dr., (Internist), new DexaScan, shows dramatic deterioration! New Dr. doesn't understand old one's choice of Evista with no breast cancer health issues. Now on Actonel 35mg.(weekly) with no side effects, and it's been 6 months. I'm doing all the other right things and have been for years so Evista did NOT do me any good - a waste of precious time!	F	58	2 years		6/21/2008
1	Reduce Breast Cancer Risk	I was only on it for 3 days....It brought me to my knees in pain. I felt as if every bone in my arms and legs had been broken. I could hardly move at all and my wrist and legs swelled up. When it didn't go away after a few days of not taking Evista, I had to go to the dr. It was either that, or die in pain. He gave me a steroid pack to help. It has been 2 weeks since I quit taking it and just now I am getting back to normal. For me....Evista is some pretty nasty stuff.	FDA needs to re-evaluate and pull drug.	F	48	3 days		6/18/2008 Email
2	Osteopenia	other then some initial diarrhea I felt ok but lately have developed terrible pains in my feet and cramping in my toes.	I have only been on Evista for 2-1/2 months so I do not know yet if it has helped my bone density. If the foot pain continues I will not be able to continue taking even if it does improve my bone density.	F	59	3 months		6/10/2008 Email
1	Breast Cancer	I had repeated kidney infections that they are not able to find out why they are happening. Also I had really sore hip joints and hand joints. I have been on it for four months for the prevention of breast cancer.		F	52	4 months		6/4/2008
1	osteoporosis and osteopenia	I had severe foot cramps at night when I was asleep. I never realized they were from the drug but when I stopped the drug the cramps stopped. I also experienced a sudden loss of vision. Again, I did not connect it to the drug until I saw an ad that said loss of vision was a side effect. I had very bad pain in my hip and lower spine all the time. Since stopping the drug the pain is gone from my hip and less in my spine.	This drug did not work. My dexa scan showed no improvement after 3 years of taking Evista. I lost an inch in hight. I thought my pain was from arthritis but don't think so now since stopping the drug and reading this website. I never connected my symptoms with the drug. I stopped the drug and stared on Fosamax because it did not wok. I have now stopped Fosamax as well.	F	64	3 years		6/1/2008
2	Osteoporosis	After the third day of taking Evista, I felt really good. Since then I have had: increasing pain, bottom of feet, hands, legs; hot flashes. I took pill #6 last night and woke up to bad pain in one knee. When I go out of bed I had trouble with getting my balance as my eyes did not focus well. Lastly, starting a rash on neck and face.	I ususlly try to take natural alternatives to prescription drugs. This is my first medication for the osteoporosis, I read up on the side effects, but, due to my doctor's confidence in Evista and my scolieosis I decided to try it. My choice now is no thanks, I was lucky to have received samples, so I am not out financially. I am going to research bone density vs bone mass, start doing mild weighted exercises, continue with the calcium and vitamin D and other that is more natural. I'm glad some people have received benefit from Evista, but not all of us respond well to canned medicine. I have learned to live with my discomforts, I do not need to be taking something that makes me feel worse.	F	64	6 days		5/27/2008 Email
1	Osteoporosis	Had every side effect imaginable: Horrible toe and leg cramps, especially during the night; tingling/numbness in ankles and legs; dizziness; feeling of stuffiness in the head, much like an allergy, at any given time during the day; heart palpitations; stomach upset; just an overall strange feeling in the abdominal area, very hard to describe; breast pain; lack of interest in doing anything at all; inability to walk even short distances when before taking the drug I took a 2-mile walk every day; joint pain; swollen ankles; cough; depression; just want to sit and do nothing; weight loss...have lost 20 pounds in the period I've been taking it...down to 118 lbs. Food doesn't interest me though I always loved to cook. I always thought that medications were supposed to increase your quality of life. This one didn't. After taking it for about 8 months I stopped today. If the doctor doesn't like it...tough!		F	78	8 months		5/24/2008
1	osteoporosis	I took evista for the first time about 15 years ago. It was the worst year of my life. No sleep and constant night sweats. It was close to menopause so I determined the side effects were related. As my osteporosis was not improving with fosomax, I started Evista again about 3 months ago. I have been experiencing terrible leg cramps, back soreness and insomnia. This is the worst drug I have ever taken. The Eli Lilly literature says nominal side effects -- they are not telling the truth.		F	58	3 months		5/21/2008
1	HRT - bone density	Hot flashes/sweats - extreme joint pain - cramps in feet, calves, thighs and abdomen - inability to think at times - depression - nausea -chest pain	I have undergone extensive testing to discern the cause of the mentioned symptoms without any conclusive findings. We looked at all the drugs I take and couldn;t find any that would be the cause. This week I began hearing about some of the problems with Flomax and investigated Evista. Thank you to all who have posted on thei site, you have ginge me insight. I am stopping the drug tonight and hopefully will find that it was the culprit	F	54	4 years		5/20/2008
1	bone density loss of 13%	Painful joints, ankles and leg cramps. Especially at night, I thought I was losing my mind until I read other postings. Also, sore tongue, looked bruised and red. It is the only new med that I had, I only take Pravachol and Lotrel besides. I asked the Pharmacy and they said to try not taking it for awhile, I have only been on it 3 days. I had been taking Boniva but went back to Evista, I will not be taking any of them again. I will try to exercise more and watch my diet. These drugs are a major concern.	Please research before you even take one pill. Beware.	F	64	3 days		5/10/2008 Email
1	bone loss	Feet and toe cramps. Insomnia and trouble sleeping. Some mild depression. Some slight weight gain. Blurd vision , diminished sight and foggy feeling. Believe Evista caused me to have cataracts.	I am stopping this drug immediately and sorry I ever started it.	F	62	2 years		5/2/2008 Email
1	osteoporosis	I am experiencing severe pain in my hip joints, lower and upper back, hot flashes, heart palpatations and some depression which have become increasingly worse over the past year that I have taken Evista.	I've had e-rays and stress test done with no evidence of problems, my medical doctor suggested that I do Yoga. I could not stand the pain of laying on the floor to practice Yoga. At my husband's suggetion I am now seeeing a chiropractor but with very little improvment. He has been very concerned that I am not improving and is considering steroid injections to ease my pain. When I found this website, and read other's comments, I immediately stopped taking Evista and my pain has already become more tolerable. I would like to add that I feel that I have a very high tolerance for pain and am quite stoic. I had natural childbirth and walked from the delivery room to my hospital room after giving birth, if that is any indication of my ability to withstand pain and discomfort.	F	59	15 months		4/10/2008
1	bone loss	I've been on Evista (from Boniva (bad side effect and Fosamax which proved not to have worked by fup bone scan). I have been through many test over the last two years, it was not until tonight that I visited this site to read that what I have been experiencing are the symptons mentioned on this site. Exteme toe and leg cramps (to the point where I feel like my left leg is trying to go in another direction). My primary complaint was that I felt like I aged overnight - when trying to get up from just sitting for awhile (desk job) it would take awhile to get my legs to move. My left leg to this day feels like it just does not want to do what it should be doing - weak, stiff and feels like the bone by the tibia is becoming stiff. I have experienced strange head pains; feeling overwhelmed; feeling like I can't do task that about two years ago where no problem. This came about when going to PT and now complaining about shoulder pain that she check on the drugs I have been taken. I expl		F	54	2 years		4/7/2008
5	breast cancer prevention	I had my ovaries removed because I am at high risk for both ovarian and breast cancer - Evista was prescribed as a preventative for breast cancer with the added benefit of preventing osteoporosis. All of the symptoms I've had really relate to the instant menopause I experienced from surgery. I starting taking Evista 2 months after surgery, and I can't tell that it has added any side effects. Most of the things described here are menopause-like side effects which makes sense since this drug helps block estrogen. I've been able to lose weight on this drug (by watching my diet) - it has not caused me to gain any.	The only side effect I've had is the fear generated by reading other peoples' ratings! This drug has not caused me any problems that I can tell. I think rating drugs is a good idea - but take it all with a grain of salt - most of the people who post will post because they don't like a medication not because they think it is okay so you see truly horrific posts here while the majority of people don't have much of a problem so they don't post. I'm not saying that people don't have real problems but you have to put it into proportion. I read this board before taking Evista and it really scared me - I'm sorry I read it first and got all worked up. My doctor told me that this drug is out of your system after 24 hours so if you don't like it, you can go off of it pretty easily.	F	44	2 months		4/2/2008
5	OSTEOPOROSIS	MY DOCTOR TOLD ME TO TAKE IT WITH AN EMPTY STOMACH AND THEN SIT FOR HALF AN HOUR AFTER TAKING IT. I STARTED TAKING IT IN THE MORNING BEFORE GOING TO WORK AND AFTER 1 HOUR I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE SOMNOLENCE WHICH LASTED FROM 9 AM UNTIL 3 PM. I JUST WANTED TO LIE DOWN AND SLEEP. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. I COULD NOT WORK THAT DAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT AT 4PM AND HAS WORKED LIKE A CLOCK SINCE THEN. I AM MORE ACTIVE, MORE ALERT, ENERGETIC , I SLEEP LIKE A LOG, WAKE UP REFRESHED, MY SKIN HAS IMPROVED, MY MOOD TOO. I GO NOW TO AEROBICS TWICE A WEEK AND DO MY TREADMILL EVERY DAY. i HAVE NOTICED I AM VERY THIRSTY I DRINK ALOT OF WATER BUT THAT IS GOOD ANY WAY. I AM FEELING LIKE I WAS 20 AGAIN AND IM CLOSE TO 60 BUT I FEEL SOOO HAPPY. AND MY SEXUAL DRIVE HAS IMPROVED AS WELL. I FEEL TWITCHES IN MY BODY HERE AND THERE BUT THAT IS BECAUSE NEW BONE IS FORMING IN MY SPONGY BONES AND THEREFORE , CHANGES ARE OCCURRING IN MY BODY WHICH I ANTICIPATE IN 10 YEARS WILL BENEFIT ME. I DO NOT WANT TO BE WALKING		F	59	6 months		3/24/2008
2	slow down bone loss	I started Evista about 5 mo ago. About 3 yrs ago my DR put me on Fosamax because of the score from my bone density test. I thought the test would tell me one way or the other if I had Ostioporis but it only gives a general range. It came back with Osteapenia (sp).I could not take Fosamax because of the heartburn. The dr took me off the drug. 2 yrs later at my physical he ordered another bone scan. There was a 10% bone loss. He started me on Evista to see if it would help and also he said there were new findings that it helped with breast cancer. I took it for about 5 months.I am very blessed as I take no medications and am in very good health. about 2 weeks ago my left shoulder and upper arm started hurting. It felt like I pulled the large muscle and I can't even put my arm behind my back, even raising my arm hurts. I thought I read that could be a side effect. Bong!!! I went to google and found this wonderful site. My vision has diminished, I have gained weight, my memory has change		F	63	5 days		3/21/2008
1	early menopause due to cancer	cramps, itchy rash, very nervous, tired, extreme hot sweats, sensetive breasts	prescibed by consultant due to forced early menopause from cervical cancer. after reading all the comments i have now stopped taking evista	F	34	42 days		3/14/2008 Email
1	osteoporosis		I was just given a prescription for Evista today. I asked the gyn if there were any side effects associated with the drug, and she said there were none. Luckily I'm naturally skeptical of pharmabusiness and luckily I found this website. This is one prescription I will not be filling. Thanks to all of you who have left detailed information regarding Evista.	F	56	0 days		2/18/2008
3	osteoporosis	Lack of mental clarity, scattered thoughts, mild depression, insomnia.		F	50	21 days		2/11/2008 Email
1	osteoporosis in my spine	None thanks to this website!	I was just prescribed Evista today for osteoporosis in my spine. I was concerned enough reading the information that came with the free samples so I looked it up and found this site. Not for me! I'll stick to alternative methods and exercise. Thanks so much for all of your ratings!	F	57	0 days		2/8/2008

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Average rating for drug: 1.9. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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