A

A

A

Font Size

EVISTA (raloxifene) side effects

I am a 12 year survivor of breast cancer. My treatment consisted of 6 month chemotherapy and 5 years tamoxifen. Since then I only check-up yearly with my Oncologist. I am afraid of metatistic cancer since I've hear many stories about women who have survived for so long and then -- all of a sudden -- their cancer metatisizes and they become terminal. Just recently, by OB/GYN prescribed EVISTA for the treatment of osteopenia. I was on Fosamax for about 5 years but took myself off the medication when there was negative news about it. However, my DEXA scans have shown decrease in bone density. After severe back pain and a knee arthoscopy, I really want to take something to prevent osteoperosis. (Chemo put me into menopause). I have read about the side effects of EVISTA . My question is two-fold: since I will be taking EVISTA mainly for prevention of osteoperosis, do I take it for the rest of my life as opposed to the 5 years for breast cancer treatment? Also, I believe I am at a low risk for the vein diseases associated with EVISTA, however do I become a high risk to develop these diseases while I am on EVISTA? My Oncologist gave his approval for me to take EVISTA as prescribed by by OB/GYN however, he did not give me his opinion. Can you?