Evista

Evista is the brand name for a drug using raloxifene to treat osteoporosis. About eight million American women and two million men have osteoporosis, which is the thinning of the bones that makes them much more susceptible to breakage. The dramatic decrease in bone density seen in postmenopausal women indicates that decreased estrogen is an important factor in bone loss. But race is also a factor, with white and Asian women at greater risk of developing osteoporosis than Hispanic or African American women. And thinner women are more at risk than their heavier counterparts because their bones tend to be thinner to begin with and because they have less body fat and tend to make less estrogen.

Evista Problems

When you have osteoporosis, you might not have any symptoms at all. The first sign that something is wrong could be the wrist that unexpectedly snaps or a collapsing vertebra that causes back pain. Estrogen replacement therapy had been commonly used as a preventative measure against osteoporosis, but new studies showed that there are dangers associated with taking hormones, especially over the long term.

Evista is an estrogen agonist, which means that it plugs into estrogen receptors and triggers a little bit of estrogen activity but not the full dose. It also only plugs into certain estrogen receptors like those affecting the bones and cholesterol levels, which limits its actions even more. The net results are that Evista helps to prevent bone loss and improve cholesterol levels without encouraging breast or uterine cancer. This information can’t be used in substitute of the opinion of your doctor. You should note that your doctor should be consulted, before you take Evista.

Evista Side Effects

The common side effects of Evista include hot flashes, muscle pain, flue syndrome, and the inflammation of the sinuses. When you take Evista, you may deplete your supply of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Evista can also cause a loss of appetite, heartburn, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, all of which can upset your eating habits and possibly interfere with good nutrition. You should consult your doctor before you begin taking Evista. It’s important to note that this author is not a licensed doctor or pharmacist and is not licensed to give medical advice. Your physician will be able to tell you whether Evista is a drug that would fit well and help you appropriately. Any time you use Evista, you should talk with your doctor to make sure Evista is right for you.