What is Evista?

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are at risk for bone loss after menopause, your doctor may recommend Evista. It’s a well-established treatment option that offers a unique benefit: it not only helps strengthen bones but also lowers the risk of breast cancer in some women.

Here’s everything you need to know about Evista medication, including how it works, who it’s for, and how to track its effectiveness.

What Is Evista?

Evista is the brand name for raloxifene, a prescription medication approved to:

• Treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis or at high risk

What is Evista used for?

Evista is primarily used to preserve bone density and lower fracture risk in the spine—not hips. It also offers estrogen-like benefits to bone without increasing the risk of uterine or breast cancer.

How Does Evista Work?

Evista belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It has a dual effect:

• Acts like estrogen on bones, helping maintain or increase bone mineral density (BMD)
• Blocks estrogen in breast and uterine tissue, helping reduce cancer risk

This makes it a unique option for women seeking both bone protection and cancer risk reduction—without hormone replacement therapy.

Who Should Consider Evista?

Evista may be a good fit if you:

• Are postmenopausal with low bone mass or osteoporosis
• Have a family or personal risk of breast cancer
• Cannot tolerate bisphosphonates (like Fosamax or Reclast)
• Want a non-hormonal approach to preserving bone health

It may not be ideal if you:

• Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease
• Are premenopausal
• Need a medication that improves hip bone strength

⚠️ Potential Side Effects of Evista

Common side effects:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps
• Flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain

Rare but serious risks:

• Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
• Stroke in women with cardiovascular risk factors

Always consult your doctor about your personal risk profile before starting Evista.

📊 How to Know If Evista Is Working: Use a DEXA Scan

To measure the effectiveness of Evista medication, regular DEXA scans are essential. These scans show:

• Changes in bone mineral density (BMD)
• Your fracture risk over time
• Whether your treatment plan is successfully maintaining or increasing bone strength

At KALOS, our DEXA Scan San Francisco service provides accurate, data-driven insights to guide your osteoporosis treatment plan.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

If you’re taking Evista or considering it, make sure you track your progress with a DEXA scan. At KALOS, we’ll help you measure your bone health and make informed decisions based on real data.

Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven bone protection starts now.

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