Evista Side Effects
Generic name: raloxifene
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 17, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Evista Side Effects associated with raloxifene. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Evista.
Applies to raloxifene: oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (tablet)
Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been reported.
Women with active or past history of venous thromboembolism should not take raloxifene hydrochloride.
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.
Precautions
It is very important that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Before you have any kind of surgery, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. Discuss discontinuing use of raloxifene (the active ingredient contained in Evista) 3 days before you think you will have a long period of inactivity, sitting, or bed rest, such as after having surgery or going on a long trip. The doctor may have you start the medicine again after you are back on your feet and fully mobile. If you are going on a trip and stay on raloxifene, you should walk regularly or move about when possible. Remaining still for long periods may cause blood clots for some people, and raloxifene may rarely worsen their condition.
If you are able to become pregnant, stop using the medicine immediately if you think you have become pregnant and check with your doctor. Raloxifene is recommended for women who are past menopause.
Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. If you experience vaginal bleeding, breast pain or enlargement, or swelling of hands or feet while on raloxifene, you should report it to your doctor.
Other ways that may be used with raloxifene to help prevent or treat bone loss are taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements and getting weight-bearing exercise. You may want to discuss these options with your doctor.
Serious side effects of Evista
Along with its needed effects, raloxifene may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop taking raloxifene and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:
Rare side effects
- coughing blood
- headache or migraine headache
- loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision
- pain or numbness in chest, arm, or leg
- shortness of breath (unexplained)
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking raloxifene:
More common side effects
- bloody or cloudy urine
- chest pain
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- fever
- frequent urge to urinate
- infection, including body aches or pain, congestion in throat, cough, dryness or soreness of throat, runny nose, and loss of voice
- leg cramping
- skin rash
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- vaginal itching
Less common side effects
- abdominal pain (severe)
- aching body pains
- congestion in lungs
- decreased vision or other changes in vision
- diarrhea
- difficulty in breathing
- hoarseness
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- trouble in swallowing
- weakness
Other side effects of Evista
Some side effects of raloxifene may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- hot flashes, including sudden sweating and feelings of warmth (especially common during the first 6 months of treatment)
- increased white vaginal discharge
- joint or muscle pain
- mental depression
- problems of stomach or intestines, including passing of gas, upset stomach, or vomiting
- swollen joints
- trouble in sleeping
- weight gain (unexplained)
For healthcare professionals
Applies to raloxifene: oral tablet.
Cardiovascular adverse events
- Very common (10% or more): Hot flashes/hot flushes/vasodilation (28.7%), increased blood pressure
- Common (1% to 10%): Varicose vein, venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Postmarketing reports: Death related to VTE[Ref]
Other
- Very common (10% or more): Flu syndrome (16.2%), infection (15.1%), peripheral edema (14.1%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, fever[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (15.5%), muscle spasms/leg cramps (12.1%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, arthritis, tendon disorder[Ref]
Respiratory
- Very common (10% or more): Sinusitis (10.3%), rhinitis (10.2%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, pharyngitis, increased cough, pneumonia, laryngitis[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Rash, sweating[Ref]
Endocrine
- Common (1% to 10%): Breast pain/tenderness/enlargement[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, gastrointestinal disorder, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Vaginitis, urinary tract infection, cystitis, leukorrhea, uterine disorder, vaginal bleeding, endometrial disorder, vaginal hemorrhage, urinary tract disorder[Ref]
Hepatic
- Common (1% to 10%): Cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy
- Frequency not reported: Slightly decreased platelet counts, moderate increases in AST and/or ALT[Ref]
Metabolic
- Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Headache/migraine, syncope, vertigo, neuralgia, hypesthesia, stroke, death related to stroke[Ref]
Ocular
- Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis
- Postmarketing reports: Retinal vein occlusion[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia[Ref]
Hematologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Oncologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign endometrial polyps
- Frequency not reported: Endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial atrophy[Ref]
See also:
Prolia
Prolia (denosumab) is an injection that is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once every ...
Fosamax
Fosamax (alendronate) is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and steroid-induced ...
Evenity
Evenity (romosozumab) injection is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women to reduce the ...
Premarin
Premarin is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Learn ...
Reclast
Reclast (zoledronic acid) is used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause and also to treat ...
Estrace
Estrace (estradiol) is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness ...
Zometa
Zometa is used to treat high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer and multiple myeloma. Learn ...
Atelvia
Atelvia (risedronate) is used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. Includes Atelvia side ...
Boniva
Boniva (ibandronate) is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Includes ...
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
3. (2016) "Product Information. Raloxifene (raloxifene)." Prasco Laboratories
Frequently asked questions
More about Evista (raloxifene)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (12)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: hormones/antineoplastics
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Evista side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.