Generic name: Aripiprazole
Brand names: Evista, Abilitat, Arizol, Arlemide, Brisking, Ilimit, Irazem
General Information
Evista is usually prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal females; to reduse risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis and with the risk for invasive breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend Evista if you already have or have had breast cancer. This remedy is NOT a hormone, like estrogen. It’s called an estrogen agonist/antagonist, which means it works in 2 ways, like estrogen in some tissue, and has the opposite effect of estrogen in other tissues. In bones, Evista appears to mimic the effect of estrogen. In breasts, Evista appears to block the effect of estrogen.
Don’t take this pill if you are a woman before menopause, if you have allergy to raloxifene, if you are breast-feeding or pregnant, if you have ever had a blood clot.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Evista earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t give Evista to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- smoking
- kidney or liver disease
- if you are before menopause
- high triglycerides (often occurs with high cholesterol)
- heart disease
- breast cancer in the past
- high blood pressure
- coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)
- a history of stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”)
You need to stop taking Evista for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be on bed rest. Inform any doctor or surgeon that you are taking Evista.
Don’t sit still during long periods of time.
FDA pregnancy category X.
How do I take this medicine?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Do not share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s prescription. Do not take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Take this drug orally once daily, with or without food at the same time each day, or as prescribed by your physician. To achieve positive results you will need to take it regularly. Ask your physician if you need to take calcium/vitamin D supplements. Be prepared, your doctor will make a complete physical examination, breast and pelvic examination, and PAP test (for vaginal cancer) at least once a year. Make mammograms regularly. Inform your doctor immediately about breast pain, any vaginal bleeding, or lumps. Stop smoking, don’t use alcohol, do weight-bearing exercise, eat well-balanced meals that contain vitamin D and calcium.
Medical and/or laboratory tests (x-rays, bone density tests, blood mineral levels, height measurement) should be made regularly to check you progress or side effects. Contact your medical assistant for more details.
What should be done if I missed the dose?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: dizziness and leg cramps.
Side Effects:
Contact your physician immediately if experience the following
Serious side effects:
- any sign of allergy: difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of your lips, face, throat, tongue
- swelling in your feet and hands
- burning or pain when you urinate
- sudden confusion, headache, problems with speech, vision or balance
- severe pain in your lower back
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- swelling or pain in one or both legs
- sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of your body
- sudden cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing, fast heart rate
- chills, flu symptoms, fever, sore throat, body aches
- tenderness, breast pain, or lump
Less serious side effects:
- joint pain, leg pain
- runny or stuffy nose
- dizziness, headache, spinning sensation
- hot flashes
- vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
- increased sweating
This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.
Interractions:
- diazepam (Valium)
- birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite)
- diazoxide (Proglycem)
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Storage:
Evista should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Evista out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
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