judy214's Cancer Blog

Judy, I have the same kinda of breast cancer and I have never heard of evista. It sounds good if you get more info please share it with us (which I know you will ) I am currently taking Xeloda and chemo right now but when I am done he will be putting me on something to keep the cancer at bay. I will ask him on Monday about the drug and will let you know what I find out…
Cheryl58

Let me know what you find out from your doc. I think it is given though for people with a high risk that have not already had bc…I will talk to my onco when I see him but it will probably result in nothing…..Thanks

Dear Judy; I joined another blog and found that there are soma answers on the drug you were asking about. Here is the website so just type in whatever you are questioning and help will pop up. Hope you are well. Weezie.
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Search

What is Evista?
Feedback for Evista
0 CommentsRate it!7.0Evista affects the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, and reduces loss of bone tissue.

Evista is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are at risk of invasive breast cancer.

Evista may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Important information about Evista
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, Evista can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before taking Evista, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or TIA, high triglycerides, if you have not gone through menopause, or if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking Evista.
Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while you are taking Evista.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as
Before taking Evista
You should not use Evista if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have:

coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);

heart disease;

high blood pressure;

liver or kidney disease;
a history of stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”);

high triglycerides (often occurs with high cholesterol);

if you have not gone through menopause; or

if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Evista.

FDA pregnancy category X. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, Evista can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Evista passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Evista?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Evista can be taken with or without food.

You may take Evista at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking Evista.
Evista is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, calcium or vitamin D supplements, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store Evista at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include leg cramps and dizziness.

What should I avoid while taking Evista?
If you take calcium supplements, do not take more than your doctor has prescribed. Taking more calcium than recommended will not provide extra protection for your bones, and may cause serious side effects including kidney stones.
Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while you are taking Evista.

Evista side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;

pain or swelling in one or both legs;

swelling in your hands or feet;

fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;

unusual vaginal bleeding;

breast pain, tenderness, or lump;

pain or burning when you urinate; or

severe pain in your lower back.

Less serious side effects may include:

hot flashes;

headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;

leg pain;

joint pain;

increased sweating;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or

runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Evista?
Before taking Evista, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite);

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

diazepam (Valium);

diazoxide (Proglycem); or

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Dear Judy; Having read up on this new drug that you might go on, don’t forget that these various drugs are the bones. Armidex and Taxol are given to stop the flow of estrogen, which in turn, hopefully prevents the spread of the breast cancer. I am taking as you know, Arimidex (and living wiht the side effects, even though it is tough, but I also take – CLASTEON which is in a group of drugs called bisphosphoates. YOu might want to surf the web and find out about the various ones. I was doing this through an i.v. once a month but just couldn’t imagine doing this for life, like that. So I spoke with my Oncologist to see if he would put me on an oral dose which he said was fine. I take 4 pills daily, 2 in am 2 at bedtime. Only thing is you must take it on an empty stomach. Get your notes and take them with you when seeing the Oncologist. It is the only real time that you get to interact with other ideas on your treatment. Good luck. P.S. I am feeling much better now. I just get a monthly massage and try to exercise out the kinks. I know it is not pleasant but I would rather stick to a plan that works than jump off the bandwagon and take chances. Weezie

I thnk you are right and I do not htink it is the type of drug that I need to be on right now. It was brought to my attention though and I thought may as well check it out of the side effects are better….Oh well what can I say….lol

The pictures you posted were great wish I was there right now!

boy did I ever make a few typing mistakes in that last post….....duh…