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Evista
Tablets
Chemical Name: RALOXIFENE (ral-OX-I-feen)
Common uses
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.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels have ever increased because you took estrogens, inform your doctor. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of blood clots. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
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.
Possible 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.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Being immobile for long periods of time while taking this medicine may increase your risk of blood clots. During long periods of travel, get up and move around as often as possible. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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