General Information and Indications:
Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat
osteoporosis, a disease common in women past menopause, which results in
bones that break easily. Raloxifene is in a class of medications called
selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It works by acting similar
to estrogen, a female hormone produced by the body. Like estrogen,
raloxifene increases the density of bone.
Information For Users:
Raloxifene comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It
is usually taken once a day at any time, with or without food. To help you
remember to take raloxifene, take it around the same time every day. Follow
the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If
you have any questions. Take raloxifene exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
Continue taking raloxifene even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
raloxifene without informing your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information
for the patient.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information. There is interest in possible beneficial
effects of raloxifene on breast cancer risk in women.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to raloxifene or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cholestyramine (Questran) or
colestipol (Colestid), diazepam (Valium, Valrelease, Zetran), diazoxide (Proglycem),
and estrogen or hormone replacement therapy (ERT or HRT). Your doctor may
need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for
side effects.
o Inform your doctor if you have cancer and if you have or have ever had
breast lumps or cancer, high blood cholesterol or triglycerides, blood clots
(e.g., in the legs, lung, or eye), phlebitis in the leg, heart failure, or
liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking raloxifene, call your
doctor without delay. Raloxifene may harm the fetus.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking raloxifene.
o you should know that raloxifene increases the risk of blood clots. Because
being inactive also increases the risk of blood clots, you should stop
taking raloxifene 72 hours before a long period of lying down (for example,
when recovering from surgery or when on bedrest). Resume taking raloxifene
once you become active again. During long trips, make sure to get up and
walk around every once in a while.
o you should know that raloxifene has not been found to cause spotting or
menstrual-like bleeding nor to increase the risk of cancer of the uterine
lining. However, Inform your doctor if you develop unexplained vaginal
bleeding or spotting.
o you should know that raloxifene has not been found to cause breast
tenderness or swelling nor to increase the risk of breast cancer. However,
Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.
Follow all dietary and exercise recommendations, including those regarding
calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Raloxifene may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o hot flashes (more common in the first 6 months of raloxifene therapy)
o leg cramps
o swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o sudden chest pain or chest heaviness
o difficulty breathing or coughing up blood
o pain, swelling, or warmth in the calves, legs, hands, or feet
o sudden change in your vision such as vision loss or blurring
Brand Name(s):
o Evista®
Other Name(s):
o Keoxifene
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