Anyone on evista?

I'd check with the doctor re the Vitamin D3 and calcium. I continue to take both supplements. Mine didn't say anything about stopping, and most of what I've read says to continue. As far as the dental, I have those issues as well. My understanding is that it's the bisphosphenates that complicate that. I spoke to my DDS about that when MD wanted me on Reclast or Prolia, and he said there are many safety precautions and risk management procedures that they take for dental procedures as long as they are made aware of the medication situation. Also, my DDS said it was extractions and anything where a hole in the jaw is created for which they took proactive measures. Crowns, cleanings, fillings are not the problem according to him. But worth asking your own DDS as every situation is different. Of course, again, please check with your doctor about Evista, etc., as I am only writing from my own experience and moderate amounts of research. I am going to another rheumatologist, another hospital system, for a second opinion on Tuesday and I'd be glad to update you then re the Evista vs. other choices I had (IV Reclast and injection of Prolia). I had to fight those two docs (one breast medical and other rheumatologist) as I am not getting a substance that lasts in the body 6 months or a year in light of all the adverse reactions I've heard about! Good wishes coming your way!

Crowns should be OK. I ended up editing my latest reply and you wrote in the meantime. All the best to you as well!

My dentist outlined the preventative measures he'd take were I to be on Reclast or another bisphosphenate. There would be monitoring via a regular panorex, antibiotic mouthwash, and pill antibiotics. I believe the latter two would be in anticipation of any oral surgery. I would imagine the panorex would just substitute for standard X-rays at check ups. The important part is letting the dentist know. Mine has signs all over his office asking if patients are on or have ever been on bisphosphenates. Hope this helps, B123.

I’ve been on Evista for a little over 3 years to lower risk after a dx of ADH. I’ve had hot flashes and insomnia, but then I had those even before I started this drug, so it’s unclear whether these are side effects. I’ve had quite a bit of dental work while on it- crown, a root canal, 2 extractions and subsequent implants and neither my oral surgeon nor my dentist felt the Evista was problematic.

Yes, I do take a daily baby aspirin. As for blood clots, my PCP did a blood test to see if I am genetically prone to clots- it came up negative, so that put me at ease. Since I’ve been on the Evista, I’ve taken several long flights (8+ hours) and just make sure to get up and move around a bit every hour or so. I haven’t had a problem. If the medical consensus in 2 years, when my five years is complete, is that continuing yetanother 5 years would afford me protection, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.

No, haven’t had a DEXA since being on the Evista- I’m overdue and truthfully have been putting it off. Sometimes I feel like there is only so much medical stuff I can deal with at once. I do have some osteopenia, so it would be an added plus if there was some improvement there

I was on Forteo for two years, then two years again. It worked quite well for building bone. The injection was easy to do. You can take the pen with you traveling but it has to be refrigerated and that part was kind of a pain.

Hi, To clarify, the concern with dental issues (osteonecrosis of the jaw=ONJ) is connected with bisphosphenates such as Reclast, Zometa, Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Prolia, etc. As far as I know, in my limited layperson's experience, Evista (Raloxifene) is not associated with causing ONJ. It's a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator), and works differently than bisphosphenates. I have learned a lot from all here, so thank you for taking the time to post.