Raloxifene

Generic name: Raloxifene

Drug class: Hormones / antineoplastics, Selective estrogen receptor modulators

Dosage forms: Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 60 mg

Mechanism of action: Raloxifene is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It exerts its effects by interacting with estrogen receptors in various tissues throughout the body.

Drug usage cases: Raloxifene is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is not for use in men.

Drug contra indications: This medicine may increase your risk of a blood clot in your leg, your lung, or your eye. You should not take raloxifene if you have ever had this type of blood clot. Raloxifene can increase your risk of a stroke, which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems, irregular heartbeats; a heart attack or stroke, including “mini-stroke”; high blood pressure; cancer; or if you smoke. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a blood clot; high triglycerides caused by using estrogen; liver or kidney disease; endometriosis; abnormal vaginal bleeding; or if you have not gone through menopause.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Raloxifene may cause serious side effects. Stop using raloxifene and call your doctor at once if you have:

swelling, tenderness, or other changes in your breasts; signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, vision problems; signs of a blood clot in the lung–chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood; or signs of a blood clot deep in the body–swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.

Warnings: raloxifene may increase your risk of a blood clot in your leg, your lung, or your eye. You should not take raloxifene if you have ever had this type of blood clot. Raloxifene can also increase your risk of a stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is highest if you have certain risk factors (such as smoking, having heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you have ever had a heart attack or a stroke). Although this medicine is for use only in postmenopausal women.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: You should not take raloxifene if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is for use only in women who can no longer get pregnant. Raloxifene can harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking raloxifene.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.