Evista (raloxifene hydrochloride) is a prescription drug referred to as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). It belongs to the benzothiophene class of compounds. It is used for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis are also at risk of invasive breast cancer, and Evista can be used to lower this risk. Your doctor will determine your risk of getting invasive breast cancer by considering several risk factors such as age, history of breast cancer in your family, history of breast biopsy and more.
Your doctor will determine whether the benefits of taking Evista to lower the chance of getting invasive breast cancer outweigh its possible side effects. Evista tablets are available in blister cards, each containing 15 tablets labeled with a different day of the week. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually one tablet a day. You may take it at any time of the day, but it is advisable that you take each at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but you should not take it in larger amounts or longer than recommended, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, you should not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.
Evista Cost Information
Prices for Evista may vary depending on where you buy the drug. 30 tablets of Evista 60 mg may cost anywhere between $192 and $248. You can look for coupons online to get them at discounted prices.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $232.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $463.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $687.00 |
Kmart |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $220.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $439.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $650.00 |
Kroger |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $240.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $493.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $704.00 |
Publix |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $244.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $488.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $666.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $248.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $496.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $714.00 |
Target |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $227.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $454.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $668.00 |
Walgreens |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $240.00 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $472.00 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $710.00 |
Walmart |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $195.31 |
| 60mg | 60 tablets | $388.61 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $581.92 |
Side Effects
Like any medicine, there are possible side effects when taking Evista. The most common side effects include:
• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps
• Joint pain
• Infections
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Muscle pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Increased sweating
• Vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
If any unusual or bothersome side effects occur, tell your doctor about it. If there are any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, throat and tongue, you should seek medical help immediately. You also need to call your doctor immediately if any serious side effects occur, such as:
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Breast pain, tenderness and lump
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and body aches
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Chest pain
• Severe pain in the lower back
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Sudden headache, problems with speech, vision and balance
• Swelling of hands, lower legs, ankles and feet
Before taking Evista, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to raloxifene. Evista should also not be taken by pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers, or those who have blood clots in the legs, lungs or eyes.
How It Works
Evista works in different ways. In your bones, Evista may act as estrogen receptors in the bone tissue, where it appears to mimic the effect of estrogen. This then reverses the excessive breakdown of bone, and increases bone mineral density, thus making bones stronger. Although it mimics the effects of estrogen, it does not affect breast tissue or uterine tissue, but rather blocks the effects of estrogen in breasts.
Interactions
There are certain medications that may interact with Evista. Therefore, you must talk to your doctor before taking Evista, if you are taking the following medications:
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Cholestyramine
• Birth control pills
• Diazepam
If you are taking calcium supplements, you should not take more than what the doctor has prescribed, as it may cause serious side effects.
Generic Alternatives
There are no generic versions available for Evista as of this time. If the side effects become too bothersome, it is best to talk to your doctor.
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