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EVISTA is indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk of invasive breast cancer.

Important limitations of use for breast cancer risk reduction are as follows: There are no data available regarding the effect of EVISTA on invasive breast cancer incidence in women with inherited mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2) to be able to make specific recommendations on the effectiveness of EVISTA. EVISTA is not indicated for the treatment of invasive breast cancer or reduction of the risk of recurrence. EVISTA is not indicated for the reduction in the risk of noninvasive breast cancer.

Please click the button below to enter the EVISTA Web site for healthcare providers. If you would like to visit the EVISTA Web site for consumers, please click here.

Important Safety Information for EVISTA® (raloxifene HCl tablets)

WARNING: INCREASED RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM AND DEATH FROM STROKE
Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with EVISTA. Women with active or past history of venous thromboembolism should not take EVISTA. Increased risk of death due to stroke occurred in a trial in postmenopausal women with documented coronary heart disease or at increased risk for major coronary events. Consider risk-benefit balance in women at risk for stroke.

Contraindications

  • EVISTA is contraindicated in nursing women and in women who are or may become pregnant, as it may cause fetal harm. EVISTA is also contraindicated in women with active or past venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal vein thrombosis.

Warnings and Precautions

  • In a study of postmenopausal women at high risk for cardiovascular disease taking EVISTA, there was no increase in the incidence of stroke; however, there was an increase in death due to stroke. EVISTA also did not increase or decrease the incidence of overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or heart attack. The risk-benefit balance should be considered in women at risk for stroke, such as those with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation, hypertension, or cigarette smoking.
  • EVISTA should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or moderate/ severe renal impairment since safety and efficacy have not been established in these patients.
  • The safety of concomitant use of EVISTA with systemic estrogens has not been established and its use is not recommended.

Adverse Reactions

  • The common adverse reactions considered to be drug related:
  • Adverse reactions occurring in the clinical trials at a frequency ≥2.0% in either group and in more EVISTA-treated women than in placebo-treated women include:
  • The majority of adverse reactions occurring during the osteoporosis prevention and treatment studies were mild and generally did not require discontinuation of therapy.

For additional information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.


EVISTA is a once-daily 60-mg tablet. Supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D should be added to diet if daily intake is inadequate.

EVISTA is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis and for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

If you already have or have had breast cancer, EVISTA does not treat it or prevent its return, and it does not reduce the risk of all forms of breast cancer.

Please read the safety information provided on this page. To enter the EVISTA Web site, click the button below.

Important Safety Information About EVISTA® (raloxifene HCl tablets)

You should not take EVISTA if you have had or are at risk for getting blood clots in the legs, lungs or eyes, as it may increase the risk of blood clots. Stop taking EVISTA and call your doctor if you have leg pain or warmth, swelling of the legs, hands or feet, chest pain, shortness of breath or a sudden vision change, as these may be signs of a blood clot. Being unable to move around for long periods may increase this risk. If you will need to be still for a long time, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of blood clots.

EVISTA does not increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke in women who have had or are at risk for a heart attack; however; EVISTA increases the likelihood of dying from stroke in these women, should one occur. Before taking EVISTA tell your doctor if you have had a stroke, a mini-stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, history of smoking, or believe you have other risk factors for stroke or a heart attack.

EVISTA is not right for everyone. You should only take prescription EVISTA if you are past menopause. Before taking EVISTA, talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions. If you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant, do not take EVISTA, as it may cause fetal harm. Women with liver or kidney disease should use EVISTA with caution. EVISTA should not be taken with estrogens in the form of pills, patches or injections. Side effects may include hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more safety information, please see the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information.

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Facts About Invasive Breast Cancer

EVISTA is indicated for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Although invasive breast cancer affects a relatively small percentage of women, it is the most common cancer among women, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers. As women past menopause age, they have a higher chance of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer than younger women.

Knowledge about invasive breast cancer and appropriate screening methods is one of your most powerful tools against the disease. By learning as much as you can about the disease, you will also be better equipped to discuss your risk for invasive breast cancer with your healthcare professional.

Invasive vs Noninvasive Breast Cancer
Cancer occurs when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control and form a mass or lump called a tumor. Breast cancer is a tumor that starts from cells in the breast, and is characterized as "invasive" or "noninvasive" breast cancer. Knowing the difference between these two types of cancer is important for your overall understanding of the disease and when assessing your risk.

Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive breast cancer occurs when malignant cells break through the milk duct or lobule and invade surrounding fatty tissue, eventually spreading to the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer.

Noninvasive Breast Cancer
In contrast, noninvasive breast cancer is cancer that is contained in the breast's milk ducts or lobules, and does not invade any of the surrounding normal tissues. About 1 out of 5 new breast cancer cases will be noninvasive. Nearly all women diagnosed at this early stage of breast cancer can be cured.

Note: EVISTA does not reduce the risk of noninvasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

The Truth About Breast Cancer
Many myths and misunderstandings surround breast cancer, potentially interfering with your clear understanding of the disease. Knowing the truth about breast cancer — including the various risk factors, effective screening methods, and other concerns — is vital.

  • "Family history is only one of several important risk factors."
    • True. Only 20% of U.S. women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer have family history of the disease. About 80% of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. These data are based on approximately 148,000 postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative study wherein 2.2 percent (3,236) developed invasive breast cancer over 5 years.
  • "Incidence rate (likelihood) for breast cancer risk increases with age."
    • True. Even though it may seem like a younger woman's disease, about 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are age 50 or older.
  • "A mammogram is an important screening tool."
    • True. A mammogram won't prevent breast cancer, but it is an effective way to detect breast cancer early.
      • Yearly mammograms are recommended for all women age 40 and above.
  • "Other screening tools are available to detect breast cancer."
    • True. A breast self-exam should be done once a month and women over 40 should have a clinical breast exam performed by their healthcare professional every year.
  • "A majority of breast lumps are not cancerous."
    • True. 80% of all biopsied breast lumps are not cancerous.

Next: Invasive Breast Cancer Risk Factors



Indications for EVISTA® (raloxifene HCl tablets)

EVISTA is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis and for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

If you already have or have had breast cancer, EVISTA does not treat it or prevent its return, and it does not reduce the risk of all forms of breast cancer.

Important Safety Information About EVISTA

You should not take EVISTA if you have had or are at risk for getting blood clots in the legs, lungs or eyes, as it may increase the risk of blood clots. Stop taking EVISTA and call your doctor if you have leg pain or warmth, swelling of the legs, hands or feet, chest pain, shortness of breath or a sudden vision change, as these may be signs of a blood clot. Being unable to move around for long periods may increase this risk. If you will need to be still for a long time, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of blood clots.

EVISTA does not increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke in women who have had or are at risk for a heart attack; however; EVISTA increases the likelihood of dying from stroke in these women, should one occur. Before taking EVISTA tell your doctor if you have had a stroke, a mini-stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, history of smoking, or believe you have other risk factors for stroke or a heart attack.

EVISTA is not right for everyone. You should only take prescription EVISTA if you are past menopause. Before taking EVISTA, talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions. If you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant, do not take EVISTA, as it may cause fetal harm. Women with liver or kidney disease should use EVISTA with caution. EVISTA should not be taken with estrogens in the form of pills, patches or injections. Side effects may include hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more safety information, please see the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information.