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Evista, Raloxifene (generic): Frequently Asked Questions

I am currently using raloxifene (brand name: Evista) along with tamoxifen for breast cancer chemoprevention. Is raloxifene metabolized in the same way as tamoxifen (using 2D6)?

Raloxifene is not metabolized by 2D6 or any of the other cytochrome P450 enzymes, thus 2D6 testing is not relevant to your response to Raloxifene. At this time, there is no genetic test that will determine the effectiveness of raloxifene. Other alternatives to tamoxifen, called aromatase inhibitors, also do not have a genetic test to predict their effectiveness at this time. Next Article: Pros & Cons
Raloxifene is not metabolized by 2D6 or any of the other cytochrome P450 enzymes, thus 2D6 testing is not relevant to your response to Raloxifene. At this time, there is no genetic test that will determine the effectiveness of raloxifene. Other alternatives to tamoxifen, called aromatase inhibitors, also do not have a genetic test to predict their effectiveness at this time. ©Copyright © 2008 DNA Direct Inc. All Rights Reserved
Raloxifene is not metabolized by 2D6 or any of the other cytochrome P450 enzymes, thus 2D6 testing is not relevant to your response to Raloxifene. At this time, there is no genetic test that will determine the effectiveness of raloxifene. Other alternatives to tamoxifen, called aromatase inhibitors, also do not have a genetic test to predict their effectiveness at this time. this page last updated: October 23, 2007

What is EVISTA?

EVISTA is a type of prescription medicine called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). EVISTA is for women after menopause, and has more than one use: EVISTA treats and prevents osteoporosis by helping make your bones stronger and less likely to break; and if you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for invasive breast cancer, EVISTA can be used to lower your chance of getting invasive breast cancer. EVISTA will not totally get rid of your chance of getting spinal fractures or invasive breast cancer.

What is raloxifene?

The drug raloxifene was approved by the FDA in December 1997 for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In October 1999, the FDA approved it as an osteoporosis treatment. Raloxifene was studied in STAR after large studies testing its effectiveness against osteoporosis showed that women taking the drug developed fewer breast cancers than women taking a placebo. One of these studies was the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) trial. ...
Source: www.fccc.edu

Is EVISTA an estrogen or hormone?

EVISTA is NOT a hormone, like estrogen. It's called an estrogen agonist/antagonist, which means it works 2 ways in your body. EVISTA acts like estrogen in some tissue, and has the opposite effect of estrogen in other tissues. In your bones, EVISTA appears to mimic the effect of estrogen In your breasts, EVISTA appears to block the effect of estrogen
EVISTA is not an estrogen nor is it a hormone. EVISTA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, commonly known as a "Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator," or SERM. EVISTA helps build bone without negatively affecting the breast or uterus. This means that EVISTA does not cause breast tenderness or vaginal bleeding. Also, EVISTA does not increase the risk of breast or uterine cancer.

What about Evista and Fosamax?

Evista (Raloxifine) is in a class of drugs known as designer estrogens. Studies show that these compounds are somewhat effective in increasing bone mass although not as effective as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Designer estrogens do not relieve any of the side effects of menopause and might even increase them. Fosamax is a non-hormone treatment to block bone loss and prevent osteoporosis. It has been associated with a multitude of side effects, especially gastrointestinal problems. ...

How do I take EVISTA?

Take one EVISTA tablet each day. You can take EVISTA any time of day, with or without food (it may be taken along with a calcium supplement, and/or vitamin D), as your healthcare professional prescribes.
You can take EVISTA any time of day, with or without food (it may be taken along with a calcium supplement, and/or vitamin D), as your healthcare professional prescribes.

Can EVISTA prevent osteoporosis?

EVISTA helps prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. With treatment with EVISTA, bone thinning is reduced and good, quality bone is maintained.
Yes. EVISTA helps prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It actually stops the thinning of bone and preserves quality bone.

Can EVISTA be taken with estrogen?

In clinical trials, EVISTA has not been studied in combination with any form of estrogen that comes in a pill, patch, or injection. EVISTA should not be taken with any of these forms of estrogen.

What are the side effects of EVISTA?

Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking EVISTA. These include blood clots and dying from stroke. Increased risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) have been reported with EVISTA. Women who have or have had blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes should not take EVISTA. Women who have had a heart attack or are at risk for a heart attack may have an increased risk of dying from stroke when taking EVISTA. ...
EVISTA is not for everyone. If you are or still can become pregnant, are nursing, have liver or kidney problems, or have had blood clots that required a doctor's treatment, you cannot take EVISTA. An infrequent but serious side effect of EVISTA is blood clots in the veins — being immobile for a long time may add to the risk. EVISTA does not increase or decrease the incidence of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death, or overall death. ...

Can EVISTA be taken with aspirin or ibuprofen?

There are no data that suggest you cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen with EVISTA. You should discuss all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medications, with your healthcare professional.

Can EVISTA treat osteoporosis?

EVISTA treats osteoporosis in women after menopause by helping to make bones stronger and less likely to break.
Yes. EVISTA treats osteoporosis in women after menopause by helping to make bones stronger and less likely to break.

Does Evista Prevent Breast Cancer?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for breast cancer, Evista can be used to lower your chances of getting invasive breast cancer . Although Evista will not totally get rid of your risk of getting breast cancer, your doctor can estimate your chances by finding out about your risk factors, including your age, family history of breast cancer (in your mother, sister, or daughter), and history of any breast biopsy , especially an abnormal biopsy. ...

What Are the Risks of Taking Evista?

In some women, serious side effects can occur while taking Evista, including blood clots and stroke. An increased risk of blood clots in the legs ( deep vein thrombosis ) and lungs ( pulmonary embolism ) has been reported with Evista. If you have or have had blood clots in your legs or lungs, you should not take Evista. Being still for a long time (such as sitting still during a long car or airplane trip, or being in bed after surgery) can increase your risk of blood clots. ...

How can I tell if EVISTA is working?

You will not be able to tell if EVISTA is working based on how you feel. Extensive clinical testing has proven EVISTA to be effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis in women who are past menopause. For more information on getting tested for osteoporosis.

What are the side effects of tamoxifen and raloxifene?

The known, serious side effects of tamoxifen are uterine cancer, blood clots, strokes and cataracts. Other side effects of tamoxifen include menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal discharge or bleeding. Raloxifene has not been studied as long as tamoxifen. One of the goals of STAR was to better assess the drug's long-term effects. The known, serious side effect of raloxifene is blood clots. ...
Source: www.fccc.edu

How many women have been in clinical trials with EVISTA?

EVISTA has been studied extensively with more than 37,000 women involved in various clinical studies.
EVISTA has been studied extensively with over 37,000 women involved in various clinical studies.

How many prescriptions have been filled for EVISTA?

Over 56 million prescriptions for EVISTA have been filled since the FDA initially approved it in 1997.

Are Fosamax and Evista safe for women with osteoporosis and PXE?

Fosamax is not contraindicated in PXE. The class of drugs it belongs to inhibits bone resorption and does not affect mineralization of elastic tissue. The medication can cause gastric and esophageal irritation because it must be taken on an empty stomach, but PXE International is not aware of any reported problem with this in patients with PXE.
Source: www.pxe.org

Does EVISTA increase my risk of breast or uterine cancer?

In clinical trials, EVISTA did not increase the risk of breast cancer. EVISTA also has not been found to increase the risk of uterine cancer. The effectiveness of EVISTA in reducing the risk of breast cancer has not been established.

Does EVISTA cause vaginal bleeding or breast tenderness?

EVISTA should not cause spotting or menstrual-type bleeding. EVISTA also has not been found to cause breast tenderness or enlargement.

What determined which participants received tamoxifen or raloxifene?

Participants in STAR were randomized (assigned by chance) to receive either tamoxifen or raloxifene. In a process known as "double blinding," neither the participant nor health caregivers knew which pill she was receiving. Setting up a study in this way allows researchers to directly compare the true benefits and side effects of each drug without the influence of other factors. ...
Source: www.fccc.edu

Are there women who should not take raloxifene?

Raloxifene is not FDA-approved for use in premenopausal women for any indication. It is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as well as for the reduction of breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women with a history of blood clots, hypertension, diabetes and cigarette smoking must also consider that raloxifene increases the risk of serious blood clots.
Source: www.fccc.edu
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