Evista is a drug that is also referred to as raloxifene. It is usually referred to as SERM, or selective estrogen receptor modulator. The drug is supplied in tablet form and is intended to be taken orally. It has anti estrogenic reaction on breasts and the uterus, and estrogenic reactions on bones.
It is mostly prescribed for women in menopause and used for osteoporosis prevention. It has also been established that Evista is highly effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer amongst women in menopause, just like other drugs like tamoxifen.
In addition, unlike other menopausal drugs like tamoxifen, which are known to increase the risks of uterine cancer, raloxifene has been established to reduce the risks of uterine cancer. It is, therefore, noted that the drug is not only active in the treatment of osteoporosis, but is also effective in reducing the risks of both uterine and breast cancer among women in menopause.
Before you decide to us the drug, it is recommended that you get acquainted with some of the side effects that it might present. Regardless of the side effect in question, it is often advisable that you seek medical help immediately, so as to reduce the risk of getting serious illnesses from the side effects.
Some of the minor side effects of the drug include difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, swelling of the face and swelling of the throat among others. These minor effects usually clear in a few hours and can be treated with simple medication.
On the other hand, serious side effects include confusion, headache, loss of speech, loss of vision, numbness on one side of the body, chest pain, rapid breathing, pain and swelling of the legs, fast heart rate and loss of balance among others.
In case you get these serious side effects, it is often recommended that you call your doctor immediately, since they could be a sign that there is a serious underlying condition.
In order to avoid the occurrence of serious side effects, you need to take certain precautions before you take Evista. You should inform your doctor of all your allergies, if any, so as to make certain that you are not given a drug with components that you are allergic to.
It is also vital that you inform your doctor of all health disorders that you have or have had. This is because; the drugs are not to be taken if you are prone to certain conditions, for example, blood clots.
It is vital that you only take the medication as you have been educated by your doctor. You need to take the correct dosage at the accurate time.
Therefore, you should ask your doctor to explain the dosage to you and you should try to stick to it. In case the doctor recommends that you take the drugs before you sleep, you should ensure that you do so. This will reduce the risk of side effects and will make certain that the drug is effective in treating your condition.
Facts about Evista