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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Chemical Name: RALOXIFENE (ral-OX-I-feen)
EVISTA is a type of prescription medicine called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), which is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (bone loss) in women after menopause. EVISTA also helps lower the chance of getting a certain type of breast cancer (invasive) in women after menopause. This medication works by acting like estrogen (as a SERM) in some parts of the body. EVISTA helps to preserve bone mass, but it does not affect the breast and uterus like estrogen or relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
Note: This medication is not recommended for use in women before menopause. It should not be used in children. This medication should not be used to prevent heart disease.
Before taking EVISTA, speak to your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using EVISTA, consult your doctor if you have active or past history of blood clots.
EVISTA may infrequently cause serious blood clots to form in the legs or lungs due to the lack of movement. Do not start taking this medication until you are routinely and actively moving. During long periods of travel, walk or move periodically to keep the blood flowing through your body.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, including:
This medication must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Also talk to your doctor about risk factors for developing strokes while taking this medication. Some risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, having high cholesterol/diabetes, or history of heart disease. Discuss these risks and the benefits of using EVISTA with your doctor.
Every medication has side effects; however it is rare that they may occur. Patients can usually find the complete list of side effects with their medication.
Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking EVISTA, including:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects or any side effect that bothers you or that do not go away.