Evista (raloxifene): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Evista (chemical name: raloxifene) is a type of medicine called a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) — it blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen on cells. 

You may be prescribed Evista if:

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  you have been through menopause and have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer

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  you have been through menopause and have osteoporosis but have never been diagnosed with breast cancer

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  you have been through menopause and are at risk for osteoporosis

See Evista prescribing information.

Evista blocks the effects of estrogen on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells by attaching to the estrogen receptors on the cells. If Evista is attached to the receptor, the cell can’t receive estrogen’s signals to grow and multiply. 

It’s important to know that Evista is not used to treat breast cancer. It is only used to reduce the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Because Evista is a SERM, it’s selective about which estrogen receptors it binds to. In the bones, Evista binds to estrogen receptors and acts like estrogen (which is the opposite effect it has on breast cancer cells), which decreases bone breakdown and increases bone mineral density. 

Evista is a pill taken once per day, with or without food. Most doctors recommend taking Evista at the same time each day. Depending on your unique situation, your doctor may prescribe Evista for more or less than five years.

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Evista can cause side effects, some of them severe.

The most common side effects of Evista are:

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  hot flashes

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  leg cramps

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  swelling

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  flu-like symptoms

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  joint pain

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  sweating

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  rash

Evista may also cause serious side effects, including:

Blood clots: Evista is known to increase the risk of blood clots. Tell your doctor right away if you have sudden chest pain; shortness of breath; coughing that brings up blood; or pain, tenderness, or swelling in one or both of your legs.

Stroke: Evista can also increase the risk of having a stroke. Go directly to the emergency room if you have any symptoms of a stroke, including sudden weakness, tingling or numbness in your face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; or a sudden severe headache.

You should not take Evista if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You should use an effective non-hormonal type of birth control while you are taking Evista. 

Members of our community discuss their experiences with Evista in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's essential to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.

“I started Raloxifene, which is generic Evista, for my recently diagnosed osteoporosis. So far everything is fine.” — GoKale4320

“Hot flashes on Evista are less than on Tamoxifen, at least for me. I sleep better on Evista also, less [disruptive] sleep.” — Graceface

“I took it for a couple of years prior to my BC diagnosis for bone health.   I do not experience side effects with Evista.” — sweetcorn

Read more in our Evista discussion forum.

The cost of Evista may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. 

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Evista. 

If your doctor prescribes Evista and you have problems paying for it or getting it covered by insurance, the Lilly Cares Foundation may be able to help you.

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.