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Is there an alternative medicine to Evista? Evista is so expensive on the new Medicare plan, I just want to know if there is anything else that can replace it. Just what bone work does it do that I can't use something else.

duchess replied: "Fosamax is an alternative medicine for treating osteoporosis and is taken only 1x a week (as opposed to daily Evista). Your doctor will determine if you can take it because there are certain restrictions (ie, kidney problems etc). Basically these medicines help to reduce bone loss and can even increase the amount of bones in some individuals. You should also consider calcium supplements with Vitamin D. The vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium."

Is anyone taking Simvastatin and having side effects? It is the generic form of Evista for cholesterol. ? I am very sore in the lower back and stomach and it hurts to breathe. I am wondering if it is from this pill.

Jayaraman replied: "Yes- I have taken Simvastatin daily and regularly for 4 years for my cardiac and Cholesterol problems. I too have noticed back pain, body pain and pain in the leg joints. On reporting this he has changed the medication and given Storvas - another Vastatin group (Atovastin Calcium tablets) medicine but the problem continues. If you have more of the pain it is better you consult your doctor and let him give some alternate medication. However please note the side effects of Simvastatin as under and report if it is severe. Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue • dark urine • fever • joint pain • muscle cramps, pain • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine • unusually weak or tired • yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): • constipation • heartburn • stomach gas, pain, upset -"

gangadharan_nair replied: "Simvastatin is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance) and other fatty substances in your blood. Simvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to decrease your risk of heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. In addition to taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, making certain changes in your daily habits can also lower your cholesterol blood levels. You should eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, exercise 30 minutes on most, if not all days, and lose weight if you are overweight. Simvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away: * constipation If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: * muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness * lack of energy * fever * yellowing of the skin or eyes * pain in the upper right part of the stomach * nausea * extreme tiredness * unusual bleeding or bruising * loss of appetite * flu-like symptoms * rash * hives * itching * difficulty breathing or swallowing * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs * hoarseness Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life; end of menstrual periods). Raloxifene is also used to decrease the risk of developing invasive breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread outside of the milk ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue) in women who are at high risk of developing this type of cancer or who have osteoporosis. Raloxifene cannot be used to treat invasive breast cancer or to prevent invasive breast cancer from coming back in women who have already had the condition. Raloxifene also cannot be used to decrease the risk of developing non-invasive breast cancer. Raloxifene is in a class of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Raloxifene prevents and treats osteoporosis by mimicking the effects of estrogen (a female hormone produced by the body) to increase the density (thickness) of bone. Raloxifene decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. This may stop the development of tumors that need estrogen to grow. Raloxifene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: * hot flashes (more common in the first 6 months of raloxifene therapy) * leg cramps * swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs * flu-like syndrome * joint pain * sweating * difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Raloxifene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while you are taking this medication. Please see the web pages for more details on Simvastatin and Raloxifene (generic name) Evista (brand name). Consult your doctor."

After taking evista for 5 years for osteoperosis Her2 breast cancer developed. Is Femara the best choice now? The cancer was removed and had not spread to the lymph nodes. About 6 weeks of radiation was done and now she is ready for the next step.

hanora replied: "What about herceptin? It's now being used for Stage 1 BC. breastcancer.org is a great site with lots of info. There is also a herceptin support site (can't remember the exact address). You will get much better answers at either of them."

jkoelsch1950 replied: "I have not taken Evista. However, I have taken Femara. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in November, 2006. No lymph node involvement so did not have to have chemo or radiation. Did have mastectomy. Since tumor was estrogen/progestone positive and HER2-, and I was post menopausal, I was put on Arimidex first. Terrible side effects, could only tolerate for 6 weeks. Oncologist put me on Femara. Gave it a shot for 4 months. So disabling that I almost ended up in a wheelchair. Also both Arimidex and Femara cause bone density loss and have caused osteoarthritis. Presently I am taking Aromasin which is the third aromatase inhibitor. Has side effects but is tolerable. Also causes bone density loss and many other problems. Go to Drugs.com for specifics on side effects of all these meds. Then talk to your oncologist and make a decision."

What's the cost of tamoxifen or raloxifene (Evista)? I am looking for the cost of tamoxifen or raloxifene with and without insurance. And this is why: I am a medical student. One of the problems of today's medical education is that we don't learn about the costs of treatment, so it's hard to relate to patients. My small group is trying to tackle this problem. Last week we talked about breast cancer, and the cost of tamoxifen and raloxifene as a breast cancer prophylactic/therapeutic treatment came up. It sounds great for an imaginary patient to take tamoxifen for at least 5 years or as long as life time to avoid cancer, but we were shocked to find out that many real patients cannot afford the treatment and stop prematurely. I searched online and found that in Canada, one week's supply costs $20 or so. But I haven't been able to find any reliable information about the cost in US. So if you could help me with this, I would really appreciate it!

wyldflower replied: "My Mom took tamoxifen and passed away in 2000. At that time, I think it was costing about $80.00 per month. So no doubt, it's higher now."

which is the better choice of drugs for Osteoporosis?? Is it Fosamax, Boniva, or Evista?? I am presently on Bo I am presently on Boniva and was told it is the same classof drugs as Fosamax, and Fosamax has now been proven to give problems with bone (death) of the jaw. I was told Evista would be the only other drug of cchoice for my severe Osteoporis!! Evista is supposedly not a hormone or in the same class (Bisphosphonates) as Fosamax or Boniva.

Wide Awake replied: "Your doctor is the best guide for this. There was a recent study that Evista can also be a successful phophylaxis for breast cancer in some women."

olive replied: "I use to take Fosamax. It was causing chest pain so Dr. switched me to Boniva. Strange, but the Boniva seems to be causing me pain in my upper pallet? Do you have this problem. I can't answer your question, but I'm glad you posted it! I'll sure be watching for an answer!"

brandy d replied: "you could talk to your doc about forteo ....it is an injectable...may not be for you, but it never hurts to ask?? what about miacalcin"