Evista, also known as raloxifene, is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that act on estrogen receptors in the body.
While Evista can be effective for treating osteoporosis, some people may want to stop taking it for various reasons. A common question is – can I stop taking Evista cold turkey? Or do I need to taper off slowly under medical supervision?
Let’s take a detailed look at what happens when you stop Evista suddenly versus gradually tapering off the drug.
What is Evista and How Does It Work?
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Evista (raloxifene) mimics estrogen’s beneficial effects on bone density but does not mimic estrogen’s effects on the uterus and breast tissue.
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It is taken as a daily tablet to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
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Evista belongs to the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) class of medication It binds to estrogen receptors and regulates estrogen-like activity in the body
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By binding to receptors in bone cells Evista activates genes involved in bone formation and remodeling. This leads to increased bone mineral density and strength.
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At the same time, Evista blocks estrogen’s action on breast and uterine tissue. It does not increase cancer risks associated with estrogen.
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Evista is generally prescribed for postmenopausal women who cannot take other osteoporosis medications.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Evista?
There are two scenarios when someone decides to stop Evista treatment:
1. Gradual Tapering Off Under Medical Supervision
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Your doctor will slowly reduce your Evista dose over the course of several weeks or months.
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This gradual reduction prevents severe estrogen withdrawal symptoms.
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It allows your body time to adjust to lower estrogen levels and prevent rapid bone loss.
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Tapering off slowly is the recommended approach.
2. Sudden or “Cold Turkey” Stoppage
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This refers to quitting Evista abruptly without tapering.
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It shocks the system and leads to acute estrogen withdrawal.
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Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability may appear within 1-2 weeks of stopping.
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More concerning is the rapid loss of bone density soon after quitting. You are at high risk for fractures and breaks.
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Cold turkey stoppage is not advisable for people on long-term Evista therapy. Discuss with your doctor first.
What Are The Short-Term Effects of Stopping Evista?
When you stop Evista suddenly without medical advice, you may experience:
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Estrogen withdrawal – Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headache, mood swings
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Joint and muscle pain – Due to subtracting estrogen’s pain-relieving effects
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Increased bone turnover – Markedly increased bone resorption and rapid bone loss
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Rebound effect – Studies show bone loss accelerates to 125% of pre-treatment rate after quitting SERMs like Evista
What Are The Long-Term Effects of Stopping Evista?
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Accelerated bone loss – Leads to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk if untreated
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Increased risk of vertebral fractures – Up to 30% increased risk within 18 months of quitting Evista
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Cardiovascular effects – Evista provides some protection against cardiovascular disease in women. This benefit is lost after stopping.
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Breast cancer risk – Evista lowers invasive breast cancer risk by 60%. This protective effect is lost after discontinuation.
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Need for retreatment – To offset rebound bone loss, your doctor may advise restarting Evista or switching to other osteoporosis therapy.
Tips for Stopping Evista Safely
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Consult your doctor before making any changes to Evista treatment
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Do not stop Evista abruptly without medical supervision
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Gradually taper off over 4-6 months to avoid complications
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Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent rapid bone loss
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Monitor for symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain, weakness
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Get follow-up bone density scans to assess bone health
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Consider switching to other osteoporosis medications like bisphosphonates
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Incorporate weight-bearing exercise and a bone-healthy diet for ongoing prevention
The Takeaway
While quitting Evista treatment suddenly or “cold turkey” is never advisable, tapering off slowly under medical supervision can minimize the risks of estrogen withdrawal, accelerated bone loss, and fractures. Monitoring bone density and modifying risk factors for osteoporosis are key to maintaining bone health after discontinuing Evista. Consult a doctor to create a tailored plan for safely transitioning off Evista to prevent complications.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDAs Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
5 Substances You Can’t Quit Cold Turkey
FAQ
Can you stop taking raloxifene suddenly?
What are the long term effects of Evista?
How long does it take for raloxifene to leave your system?
How many years should you take Evista?
Who should not take Evista?
Avoid Evista in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects 4.
When should I stop taking Evista?
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food. If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you will need to stop taking Evista at least 3 days ahead of time. You may not be able to restart the medicine until you are active again. Tell any doctor or surgeon who treats you that you take this medicine.
Can Evista be used to treat breast cancer?
Evista is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are otherwise at risk of invasive breast cancer. Evista is not a cancer medication and will not treat breast cancer.
Can I take Evista If I miss a dose?
To help you remember to take Evista, it may be best to take it at about the same time each day. Calcium and vitamin D may be taken at the same time as Evista. It is important to take calcium and vitamin D, as directed by your physician, to prevent or treat osteoporosis. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.