What Is Evista? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Evista is a brand-name prescription medication whose generic name is raloxifene (or raloxifene hydrochloride). It's most commonly prescribed for postmenopausal women to treat or prevent osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer. If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Evista, here's everything you need to know.

What Is Evista?

Evista is the brand name for raloxifene, a drug in a class called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs are designed to act like estrogen in some tissues and block estrogen in others. Evista was first approved by the FDA in 1997 and was originally manufactured by Eli Lilly. Generic versions of raloxifene are now widely available from multiple manufacturers.

Despite its estrogen-like activity in bone, Evista is not a hormone therapy. It does not contain estrogen, does not stimulate uterine or breast tissue, and importantly, does NOT relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes.

What Is Evista Used For?

Evista has two FDA-approved indications, both for postmenopausal women:

Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis: Evista slows bone breakdown and helps maintain bone mineral density after menopause. In clinical trials, it significantly reduced the incidence of vertebral (spine) fractures. However, it is less effective than bisphosphonates for reducing hip fractures.

Reduction of invasive breast cancer risk: In the landmark MORE clinical trial, raloxifene 60 mg/day reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer by 72% and invasive estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by 84%. It is used as a preventive therapy in high-risk postmenopausal women.

Evista does NOT treat active invasive breast cancer. It is a preventive medication, not a cancer treatment.

How Is Evista Taken?

Evista comes in one strength: 60 mg oral tablet. Key dosing points:

Dose: 60 mg once daily — the same dose is used for both osteoporosis and breast cancer risk reduction.

With or without food: Evista can be taken at any time of day with or without food. There's no fasting requirement.

Consistency: Take it at the same time each day for best results.

Swallow whole: Evista may have a bitter taste if chewed or crushed — swallow the tablet whole.

Calcium and vitamin D: Supplement with adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) if your dietary intake is insufficient.

Who Should NOT Take Evista?

Evista is contraindicated in the following patients:

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (FDA Pregnancy Category X — can harm the fetus)

Women who are breastfeeding

Women with active or history of blood clots (DVT, PE, retinal vein thrombosis)

Premenopausal women (the drug is only for postmenopausal women)

What Are the Most Important Facts About Evista?

Not a hormone therapy. Despite estrogen-like effects on bone, Evista is not estrogen and is not hormone replacement therapy.

Won't relieve hot flashes. It may actually cause or worsen hot flashes in some women, especially during the first 6 months.

Long-term use. Evista is intended for long-term use, unlike bisphosphonates which are sometimes given a "drug holiday." Discuss duration with your provider.

Blood clot risk. Carries a boxed warning for increased VTE risk. Stop taking it 3 days before major surgery or extended immobility.

Where Can I Fill My Evista Prescription?

Evista and generic raloxifene are available at most major pharmacies. If you're having trouble finding it, use medfinder to locate a pharmacy that can fill your prescription. For savings tips, see our guide on how to save money on Evista in 2026.