Evista, first brought to markets worldwide as a postmenopausal osteoporosis preventive, has now been cleared for marketing in 35 countries to treat this highly prevalent disease. In addition to reducing fracture risk, Evista increased bone mineral density in the hip, spine and total body. Evista provided these bone benefits without stimulating a woman's reproductive tissues or increasing her breast or uterine cancer risks.
Spinal fractures are the most common and earliest occurring fracture among postmenopausal women.
Studies have shown that women who sustain a spinal fracture are more likely to suffer additional spinal fractures and sustain hip fractures. Lilly intends to make Evista available worldwide for both the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To date, Evista is approved to prevent the disease in 67 countries and to treat the disease in 35 countries, with additional submissions pending. Evista is not for everyone. Evista is contraindicated for women who are or can become pregnant, are nursing, have severe liver problems or have had blood clots that have required a doctor's treatment.