Can I Stop Taking Evista (Raloxifene) Cold Turkey?

How it works

• Raloxifene can be used to treat or prevent osteoporosis because it reduces bone resorption and turnover.
• Raloxifene functions by imitating the effect of estrogen on bones while simultaneously inhibiting the effect of estrogen on other tissues, despite not being a hormone.
• Raloxifene is a member of the estrogen agonist/antagonist drug class (also referred to as selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs).

• Possibly used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause.
• Possibly administered to postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or other postmenopausal women who are at risk of invasive breast cancer in order to reduce their chance of developing invasive breast cancer.
• The risk to breast and womb tissue associated with long-term use of estrogen-based hormone therapies is not present when using raloxifene.
• Raloxifene is usually taken as a once-daily dose.
• Generic raloxifene is sold under the brand name Evista.

The following side effects are more likely to occur if you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, and do not have any other medical conditions:

• symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, gas, nausea, hot flashes, joint or muscle pain, trouble sleeping, weight gain, increased vaginal discharge, flu-like symptoms, infection, sinusitis, and rash
• Raloxifene has only been tested in postmenopausal women.
• may make blood clots more likely to happen in the lung (pulmonary embolism), eye, or leg (deep vein thrombosis). may also raise the risk of stroke; women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopause, smoking, or obesity are more likely to experience a stroke.
• Raloxifene may make hot flashes and cramps more common.
• Maybe not as good at stopping bone loss as estrogen or bisphosphonates
• Raloxifene is not a cancer treatment; rather, it lowers the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but it does not cure breast cancer.
• Some people may not be a good fit for this product, such as those who have a history of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, high triglycerides, breast cancer in the past, or who are currently taking certain medications (e.g., statins, warfarin, estrogen replacement therapy). Avoid raloxifene in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Note: People who take other medications, are elderly or younger, have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney problems), or are taking other medications are generally more likely to experience a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects.

As an estrogen mimic, raloxifene is not a hormone but can be used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in those who already have osteoporosis. Hot flashes/flushes are a common side effect.

• May be taken with or without food.
• When taking raloxifene, your doctor might suggest that you take supplements like calcium or vitamin D. Take them as directed.
• Remember to keep your doctor’s appointments, even if you’re feeling well. Your doctor can assess your effectiveness with raloxifene and how well you are tolerating it with an appointment.
• Inform your doctor that you are taking raloxifene if you have surgery planned. If you will be bedridden or experiencing periods of inactivity, your medication may need to be temporarily stopped approximately three days prior to surgery. Additionally, let your doctor know if you intend to take a lengthy trip or airline flight and won’t be moving around much.
• Notify your physician if you have any vaginal bleeding, hand or foot edema, or breast pain or enlargement. If you have any chest pain, calf pain, or shortness of breath, get emergency medical attention.
• Osteoporosis can be helped by weight-bearing exercise; you should discuss suggested exercises with your physician.
• Only postmenopausal women should take raloxifene; nevertheless, if you unintentionally fall pregnant while taking it, notify your doctor right away.

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FAQ

Can you stop taking raloxifene suddenly?

How long does it take for Evista to leave your system?

Can I take Evista every other day?

How long should you be on raloxifene?

Who should not take Evista?

Avoid Evista in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects 4.

Can Evista be used to treat breast cancer?

Evista is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are otherwise at risk of invasive breast cancer. Evista is not a cancer medication and will not treat breast cancer.

When should I stop taking Evista?

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food. If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista at least 3 days ahead of time. You may not be able to restart the medicine until you are active again. Tell any doctor or surgeon who treats you that you take this medicine.

Is Evista bad for You?

May also increase the risk of stroke; the risk is higher in women with coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, going through menopause, who smoke, or who are overweight. Evista may increase the incidence of hot flushes and leg cramps. May not be as effective as bisphosphonates or estrogen at preventing bone loss.