raloxifene (oral)

Brand name(s):

raloxifene, Evista

What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, raloxifene can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before taking raloxifene, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or TIA, high triglycerides, if you have not gone through menopause, or if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking raloxifene for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking raloxifene.

Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while you are taking raloxifene.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as

What is raloxifene?

Raloxifene affects the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, and reduces loss of bone tissue.

Raloxifene is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is also used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are otherwise at risk of invasive breast cancer.

Raloxifene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking raloxifene?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have:

coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);
heart disease;
high blood pressure;
liver or kidney disease;
a history of stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke");
high triglycerides (often occurs with high cholesterol);
if you have not gone through menopause; or
if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take raloxifene.

FDA pregnancy category X. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, raloxifene can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether raloxifene passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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