Evista

[eva]

Colleen wrote:

I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer in 1997 and was placed on Evista for "my bones" and to "help prevent another go around with breast cancer". This month I was diagnosed with Stage IIC ovarian cancer and am now going through treatment. I think that Evista has something to do with all of this. If you are taking it, do the research and see what Eli Lily might be hiding from all of us! If there is anyone else out there in my shoes, please write

Colleen - are you being tested for the BRCA mutation? Women who have both breast and ovarian cancer, or a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer should receive genetic counseling to see if they are at risk for carrying the BRCA mutation.

[Ellen]

I've been asked to join a study, but was told that my BRCA results didn't influence my doctor when he asked me to join, rather my having a baby over 40 and my being on birth control pills for 20 years were the catalyst for his asking me.

I was also told that should I happen to be in the test group who actually took the drug, I'd be five years on the drug (to complete the program) and they'd guarantee me five years "free of breast cancer." It could occur later, however, there is no guarantee for life.

I'd be interested in your opinion-I'm a single mother and sole support in our little family, so a lot weighs "heavy on my mind."

[Martha Baker PGH PA]

63 year old healthy white female with diagnosis of osteoporosis
Fosamax - Actinol yielded GERD
Boniva - once a month no GERD but SEVERE bone pain
Evista - trying evista having jaw pain but otherwise no other side effects
HELP

[Debbie]

I have been taking evista for only 20 days. Has anyone very developed a itching burning around the vagina area. Wasn't sure if it was a new toilet paper I used or the evista. My doctor took me off the evista. So must have thought it was the evista. anyone else have this proplem. I have never had this before.

[Sherry]

My doctor has prescribed Evista for me. I am concerned because blood clots run in my father's side of the family. I'm being told not to worry as it is only the mother's side that is considered. Has anyone heard this before?

[Pam PA]

I have been taking Evista for about 10 years, too. I have experienced leg cramps (particularly at night when I'm trying to sleep), but felt that was worth taking the drug since I have osteopenia and have lost nearly 2 inches in height. However, in October, I started experience pain in my left hip that is debilitating. I have gone through cortisone shots and various pain medications (prescribed) to no avail. From reading this blog and attemtping to do research online, I wonder if Evista could be the cause.
I'm looking for thoughts, suggestions and resources. Thanks.

[Val Philadelphia PA]

I am 57 yrs. old and used to take Fosamax but have been on Evista for the last couple of years (it helps with borderline cholesterol problems) Luckily I have had no side effects. I do have occasional mild hot flashes but I attribute that to menopause. After a recent dexascan my doctor wants me to take Actonel in addition to Evista because my bone density has decreased. Walking is good for keeping blood clots at bay. All meds seem to cause something else to go wrong. Our bodies were not made for foreign substances like medications. But that's all we have. Bless you all.

[julie j]

I took Evita for three weeks the pain in my joints got so bad I stopped taking it. Could not touch the skin around the joint could not bend it.
It was also very hot to touch and my wrist looked like I got stung By a bee. Even mojor pain pills have not help the pain. I have been off for two weeks now and pain has not stopped.

[Diana]

anne wrote:

my mother started taking evista 2 months ago. Last week she had a mini stroke. Has anyone had any problems or heard of anything like this happening.

I AM 62 YEARS OF AGE AND HAD TO START TAKING EVISTA BECAUSE I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DCIS - MY CONCERN IS BLOOD CLOTS AND STROKES - DID YOU GET ANY RESPONSES?

[Phyllis]

I have tried every cholesterol drug there is, Zocor cramped my legs almost to my head, Zetia left me feeling so tired and depressed, Pravachol did nothing, Lipitor breaks me out all over and so on. The only one I could take (wouldn't you know it) was Baycol, they took it off the market. My doctor is so angry like it is my fault that my cholesterol now is almost twice what it should be and no matter what I do it keeps rising. DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING OTHER THAN STATINS AND DIET THAT WILL HELP LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL?

[wtc]

Phyllis wrote:

I have tried every cholesterol drug there is, Zocor cramped my legs almost to my head, Zetia left me feeling so tired and depressed, Pravachol did nothing, Lipitor breaks me out all over and so on. The only one I could take (wouldn't you know it) was Baycol, they took it off the market. My doctor is so angry like it is my fault that my cholesterol now is almost twice what it should be and no matter what I do it keeps rising. DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING OTHER THAN STATINS AND DIET THAT WILL HELP LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL?

Total cholesterol is not the problem; it is oxidation of the LPa molecule. Also, statins are probably not the best answer--they have severe side effects, many of which do not show up for years. Buy the book Reverse Heart Disease Now by Stephen Sinatra. It will answer all your questions and some you have not even thought of.

[Gerri - Michigan]

anne wrote:

my mother started taking evista 2 months ago. Last week she had a mini stroke. Has anyone had any problems or heard of anything like this happening.

I was taking Evista during 2007 and in January of 2008, I also had a mini-stroke. It was only after my stroke that I saw a TV Evista ad that warned about taking Evista along with Prempro (which I was also taking-low dose) because it may cause strokes.

[melinda Ohio]

I have been on Evista for 6 years. 7 months ago I had pain in my jaw and went to the dentist who said it was my age- 67 . She said of it got worse to come back, which I did after losing 6 pounds ,for a complete xray. It showed nothing and she said I was a " grinder " and I got a mouth piece to wear at night. My husband never heard anything and I just didn't believe it. So, I stopped taking Evista. 4 weeks later I have no pain and have gained back the 6 pounds !

[Deb]

Rolly wrote:

Anyone out there taking Evista? And if so, have you had any side affects? I did try Boniva and Actonel but they both caused terrible bone pain and stomach pain.

My mother has been taking it forever. 15 years maybe longer. She is 77 and has MS. You have to take it with Calium-D Evista helps your body break it down and use it. We have had a few scares about blood clots but it was more because her cirulation is not good because of her age and MS. Her bone density's are great except she has a little ostoprosys (spelling) in one vertibre. She has none of the other side effects I've read further down. I just want to get it for her cheaper. Evista is the name brand and we have waited for the generic. Is Raloxifene the same? We will be calling her Doctor for advice.