Indications
- Raloxifene is used by postmenopausal women to prevent and treat osteoporosis by slowing down bone loss and maintaining bone strength.
- It may also reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer after menopause.
- Raloxifene is not an estrogen hormone but mimics estrogen’s effects on bones while acting as an estrogen blocker in the uterus and breasts.
- It does not alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
- Classified as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), it should not be used before menopause and is not intended for preventing heart disease.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting raloxifene and with each refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Take it at the same time each day for optimal benefits.
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew due to its bitter taste.
- Ensure an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on supplements if needed.
- Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not handle the medication or inhale dust from the tablets, as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby.
Side effects
- Hot flashes or leg cramps may occur; inform your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- The medication is prescribed because your doctor believes the benefits outweigh potential side effects. Many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects, such as signs of a blood clot (pain/swelling/redness/warmth in leg or arm, chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, sudden vision changes) or signs of a stroke (weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion).
- While rare, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- The provided information is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to raloxifene or other substances, as inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
- Before using this medication, disclose your medical history, especially regarding blood clots, stroke, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, smoking, kidney/liver disease, cancer, and high blood fat levels caused by estrogen treatment.
- Notify your doctor if you have had or will undergo surgery or will be immobile for an extended period, as these conditions increase the risk of blood clots when using raloxifene. Temporary cessation or special precautions may be necessary.
- Do not use this medication during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
- It is unclear if this drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.