<p>MD is proposing maybe I should consider this med based on bone density tests. Anyone have pros and cons from your own experience/wisdom?</p>
<p>Interesting, I used evista for menopausal symptoms. Its a synthetic. I have never been able to tolerate even low dosages of hormone. I didn’t want to use anything, but lack of sleep was awful, and I’d be falling asleep on the job by 2 pm. I recommended Evista to my colleague, and, like me, her symptoms were 80% improved. While no one I know takes HRTs nymore, Evista is reported to be totally safe.</p>
<p>Evista is a SERM, a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It binds to estogen receptors. In the breast it BLOCKS estrogen from binding, but has no direct effect on breast tissue. In bone, it binds to estrogen receptors AND ACTS like estrogen, which is good for bone. It is approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. There are no GI side effects like with foxamax and drugs like it (bisphosphonates). There are NO risks of jaw problems (osteonecrosis) or femoral fractures from long term use. It is NOT as strong/powerfu as bisphosphonates so its use in severe osteoporosis is limited.</p>
<p>In the breast, it prevents natural estrogen that is still being produced in low levels from binding, so it reduces by 80% the risk of an estrogen sensitive breast cancer. It is FDA approved for this purpose also. Patients who are at high risk for breast cancer take this, irregardless of bone density. It is a cousin to Tamoxifen, and so some women who cant tolerate Tamoxifen and who can’t take or tolerate aromatase inhibitors (Femara, Aramidex, etc) might even take this after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Women who take it for osteoporosis treatment enjoy this benefit as well.</p>
<p>Because it binds to estrogen receptors and in some cases acts like estrogen and in some cases blocks estrogen, it can bind to receptors and block estrogen and CAUSE an increase in hot flashes. This is a common side effect. It has no effect on the lining of the uterus so it does NOT cause bleeding or spotting in any way. In this way it is better than Tamoxifen, which DOES stimulate the uterine lining.</p>
<p>It has a low risk of increasing blood clots (DVT’s, PE), but this is a very low risk, much lower than the risk of fracture if the med is not taken. It is recommended to stop the med for 2-3 days for plane flights or long car trips etc, or during hospital stays or recovery from surgery. Those with a prior history of a deep vein thrombosis or heart attack (which is a blood clot) or stroke (which is often a blood clot) cannot take Evista.</p>
<p>Overall it is considered a safe and useful drug in the treatment of osteropenia (borderline) and osteoporosis. Take calcium and vit D as well. General recommendations are for ONE Ca with D (with the Ca being 500-600mg and the D being 300-400 units) TWICE a day.</p>