Raloxifen is a drug to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifen is also known to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, which is prone to appear after menopause. However, these drugs cannot treat breast cancer.
Raloxifen belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). To treat osteoporosis, raloxifene works by mimicking the effects of estrogen, a female hormone that the body produces.
This drug will slow down the process of reducing bone mass, so that bone strength is maintained and the risk of fractures can be reduced.
Trademark for raloxifene: Evista
What is Raloxifene
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) |
| Benefit | Preventing or treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Raloxifen for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated a fetal abnormality or risk to the fetus.
Drugs in this category should not be given to women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether raloxifene is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Raloxifene
Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Do not take raloxifene if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Do not give raloxifene to men or women who have not entered menopause. This drug should also not be given to women of childbearing age who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure , heart rhythm disturbances, liver disease, kidney disease, endometriosis , stroke, deep vein thrombosis , retinal embolism, pulmonary embolism , tumors, or cancer, especially breast cancer .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain estrogen , supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke or have high triglycerides .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking raloxifene before having surgery. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking raloxifene, at least 3 days before the surgical procedure.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking raloxifene.
Dosage and Rules for Using Raloxifen
The dose of raloxifene will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. In general, to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women , the dose is 60 mg, once a day.
How to Take Raloxifene Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking raloxifene. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Raloxifen can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets.
Try to take raloxifene at the same time every day for maximum treatment. Keep taking this medicine if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
During treatment with raloxifene, your doctor will ask you to do regular breast examinations, mammography , and blood tests . Follow the examination schedule determined by the doctor.
To prevent osteoporosis from occurring or getting worse, your doctor will advise you to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly.
Make sure you consume enough calcium and vitamin D while using raloxifene. The doctor will tell you the source of nutrition or the number of supplements you should consume.
If you are traveling or on a long-haul flight while taking raloxifene, try to move and stretch your legs periodically to prevent blood clots from forming.
If you forget to take raloxifene, do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store raloxifene at room temperature and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Raloxifen Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are drug interaction effects that can occur if raloxifene is used with other drugs:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of raloxifene when used with cholestyramine
- Decreased effectiveness of warfarin
- Increased risk of developing blood clots that can block blood vessels and cause dangerous side effects when used with thalidomide , tranexamic acid, lenalidomide , carfilzomib , pomalidomide, or birth control pills
- Increased risk of inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis ) when used with bexarotene
Side Effects and Dangers of RaloXifen
Side effects that may occur after taking raloxifene are:
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Warmth in the face, neck, or chest ( flushing )
- Muscle or joint pain
- Leg cramps
- Sleep disorders
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Fever or chills
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Swelling of the breast or the appearance of other complaints in the breast
- Stroke , which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as severe headaches, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, or weakness on one side of the body
- Blood clots in the legs or arms, which may be accompanied by certain symptoms, such as swelling, warmth, or redness of the arms or legs
- Blood clots in the lungs, which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as chest pain , coughing up blood, or shortness of breath