Raloxifene

 

How To Use

Take Raloxifene by mouth usually once a day, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use Raloxifene regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Be sure to include adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take calcium/vitamin D supplements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any questions you may have.

 

Drug Class and Mechanism

Estrogen is a hormone which among other actions, regulates the turnover (formation and destruction) of bone. Decreases in estrogen levels that are seen after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, lead to a loss of bone density and weakened bones, a condition called osteoporosis. Raloxifene decreases bone turnover and increases bone density although not to the same extent as estrogen itself. This makes bones stronger and prevents fractures in women with osteoporosis. Raloxifene is called a "selective estrogen receptor modulator" since it has effects like estrogen on some tissues but inhibits the effects of estrogen on other tissues. Raloxifene decreases low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in the blood; however, unlike estrogen, Raloxifene does not increase high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.

 

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination, breast and pelvic examination, and PAP test (for vaginal cancer) at least once a year. You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or lumps immediately. Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol. Consult your doctor about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (bone density tests, x-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
 

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

 

Storage

Store Raloxifene at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

 

Notes

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

 

Precautions:

Before taking Raloxifene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active or past history of blood clots (e.g., deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vein thrombosis). Lack of movement may increase the risk for blood clots. Your doctor will instruct you to stop taking this medication at least 3 days before surgery or during long periods of inactivity (e.g., bedrest). Do not start taking raloxifene until you are routinely and actively moving again. During long periods of travel, walk or move periodically to keep the blood flowing through your body. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, high blood cholesterol levels, history of high blood fat (triglyceride) levels due to estrogen treatment. This medication must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

Drug Interactions:

This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: cholestyramine (or other anion-exchange resins). If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting raloxifene. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: diazepam, diazoxide, estrogens, lidocaine, warfarin. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

 

 

What is Raloxifene?    Raloxifene is a FDA-approved, anti-osteoporosis drug. As one of a class of medications known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), Raloxifene is approved for the purpose of increasing bone density. The ability of Raloxifene to bind to estrogen receptors on breast cells and to block the effects of estrogen on the breasts led to study of the potential of Raloxifene for preventing breast cancer. A recent clinical trial (called STAR), which was conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), demonstrated that Raloxifene is as effective as Nolvadex (generic name, tamoxifen) in reducing the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women at high risk (based on personal medical history and family history).

Are there women who should not take Raloxifene?                Raloxifene is not approved by the FDA for use in premenopausal women for any indication. It is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and postmenopausal women with a history of blood clots, hypertension, diabetes, and cigarette smoking must also consider that raloxifene increases the risk of serious blood clots.

What is the average monthly cost of Raloxifene?    On average, a month's supply of raloxifene costs $100 in the United States.

What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Raloxifene?    You should tell your healthcare if you have or had any unusual allergic reaction to Raloxifene, or if you are allergic to any other substances (foods, preservatives, or dyes); are or may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; are planning to have any kind of surgery or to have a long period of inactivity (sitting, bed rest); have blood clot formation, active or history of, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal embolism; have cancer or tumors; have congestive heart failure; have any other condition that increases the risk of blood clots; or have liver disease.

Are there any interactions between Raloxifene and other drugs or foods?    Raloxifene and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines - especially cholestyramine, estrogens, and warfarin.