EVISTA Reviews (RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE)

Average Rating: 1.9 (377 Ratings)

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 ESTROGENS PROGESTINS

 Type: Rx Drug

  

EVISTA  (RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE):  Raloxifene is used by women to prevent and treat bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. It slows down bone loss and helps to keep bones strong, making them less likely to break. Raloxifene may also lower the chance of getting a certain type of breast cancer (invasive breast cancer) after menopause. Raloxifene is not an estrogen hormone, but it acts like estrogen in some parts of the body, like your bones. In other parts of the body (uterus and breasts), raloxifene acts like an estrogen blocker. It does not relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. Raloxifene belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators-SERMs. This medication should not be used before menopause. It should not be used to prevent heart disease.   FDA Approval Date: 1997-12-09 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

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Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

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RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR EVISTACOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 1  osteopenia-rec. by dr. Hair loss, aching pains in groin. Stiffness I never had before. Can hardly get up from a chair. Feel 90 years old. I just turned 60 and never had a problem. Cannot sleep through the night yet fall asleep watching TV. I rather not take this than feel like I do. I went to my dr and complained about everything above and he took every blood test he could think of and I am fine. I was so depressed I wanted him to find something so I could be cured and get my energy back. After reading these articles I finally feel free. I am not nuts. I have been taking Evista for 5 months and this is the end, AMEN. F 60 5 months
11/5/2007
 1  Osteopenea Horrific hotflashes!!! I've had upper thigh pain for 3 months, soreness in my toes, and last week I had the most hideous charlie horse in my calf. Now I have pains in my wrists. I was put on a sulfa drug for a bladder infection (the doctor said I had a very small amount of bacteria..he was puzzled as to why I was having so much discomfort) and related to him that I had this funny "tingling" in my pelvic area. To top it off, I have been experiencing alot of heartburn. Now that I read all the comments posted here, I stopped taking Evista immediately and informed my doctor. I just hope the side effects go away. Where can we get info on how long this stuff will stay with us???? There should be more dialogue with patients concerning these very real issues. I realize a person has to be proactive, but not a word was said to me about any of this. F 59 6 days
11/1/2007
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 3  prevent bone loss horrible cramps in calves like a charlie horse also sweats and feelings of nausea at times weight gain Just read this on website and I will stop now that I know all these concerns! took it without being warned of leg cramps F 54 6 days
10/29/2007
 2  osteoporosis The pill seemed generally benign until recently, when I began to experience nighttime hip or leg pain, which I thought might be sciatica. This has turned into excruciating back pain (especially after sitting at my desk all day) and abdominal discomfort reminiscent of menstrual cramps. The two together have become unbearable, and they reminded me of my reaction to HRT treatment. No one else has mentioned the cramping, but the back and leg/hip pains cited seem similar to mine. I've also been extremely hot, especially at night, but that is not entirely new since I've been taking Evista. When I went off HRT abruptly, I suffered severe side effects. I'm worried about just quitting Evista cold and may go on half doses for a few days to lessen the potential side effects. I have not yet had a followup Dexa scan, so I don't know if Evista has had any positive effect. I remain highly skeptical about the entire osteoporosis-pharmaceutical industry and the medicalization of women. F 64 16 months
10/17/2007
 2  early hysterectomy/due to cancer Wow, after all these years, I thought the leg pain and cramps was a result of my chemotherapy for ovarian/uterine cancer. Maybe it's the Evista. The leg pain and cramps would mostly be at night (I still cannot walk up and down stairs the same as before, something about my right hip) and I got sciatic pain which was so bad it would wake me up at night. Never even thought about the fact that I was laying down in bed and not moving for a few hours when it would start. I started taking digestive enzymes a couple of years ago and it has subsided, however I am now getting cramps in my feet and toes for no good reason during the day. At the same time I was prescribed the Evista I started experienceing severe heartburn and was prescribed Aciphex. Which I still take, although not daily as I was. I also have increased flatulence, thought it must be my diet. Recently, I have been experiencing some rapid heartbeat. I think I'm going to talk to my doctor about stopping this medication and see The Evista was prescribed to me immediately after my surgery to remove both ovarian and uterine tumors, in order to prevent bone loss from early forced menopause (I was 46 then). There has still been bone loss, so I'm not even sure it's working, who knows if there'd be more or less unless you stop taking it. I never questioned the Evista because I thought my pains were from the six months of chemotherapy treatments. I cannot say they weren't, but if I stop taking this drug and they go away. I will definitely let you all know. I just recently heard about the possiblity of increased risk of stroke with this drug, so I'm scheduled to go to the doctor in the near future and I think I'll ask to lay off it for a while and see what happens. This drug and the aciphex are the only prescription drugs I take and maybe getting rid of one will get rid of the other! F 55 8 years
10/17/2007
 2  osteopenia I took my first dose yesterday aftering trying Actonel with severe side effects. because I am very skeptical of these drugs I am cautiously trying it every other day (30mg). I am experiencing some heartburn / esophogeal spasms similar to Actonel. Will try a few more times. I went to a nurtrionist who suggested along with my calcium/ vit D pill, more Vitamin D, vitamin K, and Magnesium for better calcium absorption. Has anyone else heard of this naturaL remedy? I am a petite person walked about 15 miles per week, and use free weights. I am trying leg weights now and hip exercises to increase bone density naturally. F 55 1 days
10/13/2007
 1  GYN prescribed for bone density I only took one pill. Then I found this site. I use a wheelchair so adequate exercise is a challenge, but I will take my chances. In sipite of the fact (or because of the fact)that I also have a trach tube and a feeding tube; I am in good general health. I certainly don't want this drug to mess that up. Thank you so much to all of you for your candid remarks. This is another example of folks caring enough to help each other!! F 66 1 days
10/10/2007
 1  OSSTEOPENIA UNBELIEVABLY EXCRUCIATING CHARLIE HORSE CRAMPS IN THE CALF, CAUSING A BRUISE (A RUPTURED VESSEL?)...NAUSEA, HOT FLASHES I HAVE BEEN ON IT FOR 2 MONTHS ONLY BUT AM DISCONTINUING IT IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING OTHER PATIENTS COMMENTS ON THEIR SIDE EFFECTS. F 67 60 days
10/6/2007
 2  Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Evista is the only prescription drug I take. In reading the comments on this site, I find that many of the symptoms reported apply to me. Hot flashes, leg & toe cramps,lower back pain, weight gain, urinary tract problems, hair thinning, swelling of my feet, concentration problems. I tried both Fosamax and Actonel and both caused substantial joint pain. My father's side of my family all had osteoporosis and I did not want it. My mother died at 41 of breast cancer. Evista seemed the ideal prescription drug, but the many side effects are beginning to wear on me and affecting the quality of my life. I am stopping taking it and hope that many of the symptoms clear up. I will continue to take 1,000 mg of calcium plus vitamin D, daily. Thank you for this site! F 70 9 years
9/30/2007
 1  osteoporosis I was prescribed Evista today but have not taken one yet. At 55, I feel very healthy, annual profile is good, no pain, no medications, only regular vitamin intakes. Had bone density test done last year, was prescribed Fosamax but took only one day due to severe side effects; had been taking Calcium and Vit. D since then in addition to the multivitamins. Today, I had my annual checkup. Doctor prescribed me Evista along with two-week sample pills in lieu of FOSAMAX. Information says mild side effects but before taking one, went online to check on women’s comments about the drug, the pain and sufferings; they were all very informative. Had I not checked, I would have taken one today. Evista is definitely not for me! Wish there is a natural way to increase bone density. From now on, I will be regular with my workouts and weight lifts and see what happens next year for the second test. I appreciate all the feedbacks on this site. F 55 0 days
9/26/2007
 1  bone loss - recommended by my md. I have been taking evista for 2 yrs and early on I had to get a bite guard made by my dentist. I clench my teeth and I had never done that before I started taking this drug. I blamed it on menopause until I read so much feedback from others. Now I'm beginning to think it may be the evista. Also, my lower back aches so much I can barely bend over the sink to brush my teeth. I go to the chiropractor at least twice a week. I had no idea this could be what is causing this. I am athletic and very active. I haven't stopped taking it but I will definitely discuss this w/my dr. I have had trouble sleeping and have had some weight gain. F 49 2 years
9/24/2007
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 3  Osteoporosis Lack of motivation and just want to sit around and do nothing; don't sleep as soundly; easily angered; and memory problems. These symtoms go away when I leave the drug off for simply 1 day. I have just begun taking half a pill a day (30 mgs.) to see if I can tolerate that. I would love to hear if others are experiencing this. I, too, get a few hot flashes, but they really aren't very bothersome to me. I was breaking ribs very easily and this drug has definitely helped that! However, I don't like the trade off with the side effects I am experiencing. I don't think I have benefited much if I can't think straight, just want to sit around (not good, since this drug can cause blood clots), and get angry easily. F 59 4 months
9/1/2007
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 1  Osteoporosis The only problem I had was severe flatulence with anal leakage. This totally went away when I stopped taking it. Thank goodness. F 47 5 months
8/28/2007
 1  GYN recommended it. I have been on evista for about 4 and a half months. The first month or so I didn't notice anything, but two months after I started getting horrible pains in the hip bones, legs, and lower back. I have a horrible time turning in bed at night because of the hip pain. I am a breast cancer servivor, and I have noticed a lot of swelling in my breasts, very uncomfortable, and my feet appear to swell a lot too! I really hate the pain I am experiencing. Having had breast cancer, it makes you think you have something going on again. Hopefully, it is just this Evista! I will call my GYN tomorrow and let him know about this. My husband read the side effects on the perscription side effects from the pharmacy, and then checked this on the internet. This is AWFUL! It makes me feel ill. It was so bad, I thought maybe I had bone cancer or something to that effect. Thank goodness my husband researched this for me. I do NOT recommend this drug. I think it is dangerous! I will stop taking I've taken this drug for approximately 4 1/2 to 5 months! F 59 140 days
8/26/2007
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 4  osteopenia Have been taking E for about five years. Noticed more dryness; I seem to need to drink water more. Have noticed constipation and 'difference' in elimination to the point that my doctor sent me for a colonoscopy. None of the other leg cramp or knee pain side effects which I have read of on this site. Some jaw pain ocassionally but this went away and I attributed it to stress. Have stopped taking it for several days to see if elimination improves. Have heard of one other person who has experienced this side effect. Think I will stop the Evista for a week and see if my problem improves. Mother died of breast cancer so that was an added incentive for me. I did not know about the increased risk in ovarian cancer. I just had a hysterectomy but ovaries were in good condition, so surgeon left ovaries. I am concerned about the Bone density increased from a -1 to a +1 low normal in one year and now is a +1 high normal. F 62 5 days
8/24/2007
 3  ostseoporosis hot flashes, lower back pain, tori in the palate and jaw bones M 54 3 years
8/1/2007
 3  osteopinia I have recently had recurring diarhea. I donot know if this is a side effect for anyone else, but would like to hear from others who experienced the same symptoms. F 64 2 months
7/16/2007
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 2  Bone Loss In the last couple of weeks I have had pain in my hips and legs. The leg cramps run down the sides of my legs from hip to knee. I am quite physcally fit and work out several times a week at the gym. Today I had the thought that I should look up the side effects of the drugs I am taking and there it is. Evista+Leg Pain, Hip Pain. I will stop taking it tomorrow and hopefully will be getting better in a few days. M 64 1 days
7/16/2007
 2  Osteopenia I have been taking Evista for 2 1/2 months. About a month ago I started having pain on the inside of my knee, which then moved to my instep area and foot. At night in bed, the knee area can really stiffen and be painful. I take no other medication and am really very healthy. So I thought these symptoms must be due to needing new walking shoes, maybe something I did hiking, etc. Today I realized that Evista is the only thing new in my life and thought I would check on the internet. Now I see in this web site that others have had similar problems, so I am going to stop the Evista and see if these symptoms disappear. I will write back after a few months. F 62 2 days
7/14/2007
 1   Servere joint pain, severe intense hot flashes, and leg cramps. I would never recommend Evista to anyone. I only took it for 2 weeks before I realized it was the drug causing me to have severe joint pain. The hot flashes were also very intense. My cancer doctor told me to keep taking it for another week, which I did. I stopped it on my own because I couldn't even bend over to pick up anything off the floor. I haven't taken the drug since January 07 and now my hands have severe teniditis and swollen joints. While taking the drug my hands were sore, but they continued to get worse after stopping Evista. All my joints feel like they are on fire and sitting for short periods of time and then standing up is a challenge. My joints feel like the cartilage is dried up. My cancer doctor said my low breast cancer risk was not worth the effects of this drug. I am very angry now for not being told the possible severe long lasting, if not permanent side effects from this drug. I feel like a crippled old lady, and I am 61. I was told by my primary dr not to take F 61 3 weeks
7/4/2007
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