Evista is prescribed to women to treat and prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density begins to decrease and bones become increasingly fragile. In serious cases of osteoporosis, bones can fracture with little or no trauma. During osteoporosis, bones become porous, meaning they lack the dense structure of a brick and begin to resemble a sponge.
Osteoporosis occurs because of a calcium deficiency, which can happen for a number of reasons. Calcium begins to decrease because of parathyroid gland complications, lack of sufficient calcium intake, or failure to process calcium correctly. Also, when female oestregen levels decrease, as they do during menopause, bones begin to breakdown more quickly. Bones need calcium in order to be healthy and remain dense.
Evista works by altering the cycle of bone breakdown in the body and reduces the amount of bone tissue lost.
Evista also reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the U.S. During clinical studies, Evista reduced the risk of breast cancer by between 44 and 71 percent.
Patients can experience a number of side effects with Evista, including:
- blood clots in legs
- blood clots in lungs
- stroke
- hot flashes
- leg cramps
- swelling of legs and feet
- flu-like symptoms
- joint pain
- harm to unborn baby
- dangerous reaction with the drug cholestyramin
To avoid chances of dangerous blood clots in your legs, avoid sitting for long periods of time. Also, talk to your doctor about stopping your treatment with Evista if you will be on extended bed rest after a surgery or other recovery. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Tags: blood clots, breast cancer, evista, osteoporosis