Evista for Osteoporosis

If you go to the home page of this group, there is a search field. I did a search for Evista and found a ton of threads on the topic. I am not using this drug so I can't share any personal experiences but wanted to let you know about the search as it looks like it's been discussed a lot before and you may find some great info in those threads.

I used Evista for 20 years and only switched to Reclast reluctantly when my dexa scan scores dipped into osteoporosis territory.

@tillymack, thank you for your quick response. I have osteoporosis and am avoiding taking any of the drugs (I was on Fosamax for five years at a time for many years, then went to Tymlos for a few months) because of no improvements and bad side effects. I heard about Evista and am considering asking my doctor about it.

@oopsiedaisy, thank you so much. I am a new member of this group so I am not aware of previous communications related to Evista.

@tillymack Did you take Evista for osteoporosis/osteopenia? I was told my score is too poor for Evista to help me. Apparently it's not a very strong anti-reabsorbative.

@soggybones Yes I took this for osteopenia.

I was prescribed Evista in the late 90's for prevention of osteoporosis when I was going through menopause, thinking that would be a good idea. I had my first compression fracture in 2017, so nearly 20 yrs on it. I started to do my research and discovered that Evista is really only recommended for only about 5 years, because after that it starts to work against you (your bones). My PCP never mentioned that and never took me off it. So I suffered for that omission. After compression fracture number one I was put on alendronate for 4+ years and maintained pretty good dexa scores. So my new PCP gave me a drug holiday from it since that is only good for 4-5 years too. Within 5 months I had my second compression fracture. Complicating the picture is that fact that I had breast cancer with radiation in 2014. My then oncologist never mentioned that probably one if not both of my fractures could have been related. I had Evenity for a year after the second fracture, and am now completing my second year back on alendronate. My new oncologist recognizes the danger of fracture after radiation always puts patients on either reclast or prolia to prevent fracture. Too bad I didn't have him for my oncologist back in 2014. Now I am 78 yr and taking a much more active role in my own care and constantly doing the research in a very confusing area of health. Hope my tale provides you all with some questions to ask your medical providers, as well as some things to consider. Everyone of us is unique in our path and it certainly isn't a one-size-fits -all scenario for sure.

@mao22, thank you for sharing your experience with Evista. This is very helpful information. I did not know that Evista can only be used for five years.