Product Details: Evista (Raloxifene)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Eli Lilly

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. These medicines are structurally different from hormones, including estrogens and progestins.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as calcium or vitamin D. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include hot flashes or leg cramps. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience swelling of hands, feet, or legs; breast pain or enlargement; unusual weight gain; or abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience pain in your calves, leg swelling, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Raloxifene