What is the most important information I should know about Evista?

• Do not take Evista if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Evista is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Evista is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
• Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Evista. Treatment with Evista may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
• Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking Evista.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience and of the following side effects that may indicate a blood clot formation: sharp pain in the legs; swelling of the legs; sudden chest pain; coughing up blood; or changes in vision.

What is Evista?

• Evista alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It reduces loss of bone tissue. Although studies are not complete, Evista appears to work without increasing the risk of breast or uterine cancer.
• Evista is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (decreased density of bone mass) in postmenopausal women.
• Evista may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Evista?

• Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Evista. Treatment with Evista may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of
  • blood clots;
  • stroke;
  • cancer;
  • increased triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); or
  • liver disease.
• You may not be able to take Evista, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Evista is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Evista is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take Evista if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Evista passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Evista?

• Take Evista exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Evista can be taken with or without food.
• Take Evista at the same time each day.
• Your doctor may want you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you do not receive enough of these substances from your regular diet.
• Weight-bearing exercise may also be helpful.
• Store Evista at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Evista overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Evista?

• Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Evista. Treatment with Evista may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
• Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking Evista.
• Alcohol and cigarette smoking may cause increased bone loss. Discuss with your doctor the use of these products.

What are the possible side effects of Evista?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Evista and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • sharp pain in the legs;
  • swelling of the legs;
  • sudden chest pain;
  • coughing up blood;
  • changes in vision; or
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Evista and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • leg cramps,
  • muscle soreness,
  • weight gain,
  • sweating,
  • hot flashes, or
  • a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Evista?

• Before taking Evista, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid);
  • the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin); or
  • an estrogen or progesterone product such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
• You may not be able to take Evista, or you may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Evista. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.