Raloxifene : Drug Information
What is Raloxifene?
Raloxifene is available under Evista’s brand name; it belongs to the medication class known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). Doctors prescribe Raloxifene to treat osteoporosis (thinning of bones) in postmenopausal women only. It is also beneficial in reducing breast cancer risk and other conditions as determined by the doctor. It is mostly available in the oral form. One can avail of this medication only with a proper prescription from the doctor.
Important Information
Raloxifene is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include changes in the diet plan, regular exercise, bone mineral density testing, and taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.
What to know before taking Raloxifene?
You should avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to it or any of its components or if you have:
- Blood clot
- High triglycerides caused due to using estrogens
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Not gone through menopause
To ensure that Raloxifene is safe for you, you should tell your doctor if you have or ever had the following medical issues:
- Heart problem
- Irregular heartbeats
- Heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Habit of smoking
Expecting women and lactating mothers should not use Raloxifene; it may harm their baby.
How to take Raloxifene?
Take Raloxifene precisely as prescribed by the doctor. You must follow all the instructions given on the prescription label and medication guide carefully. Please don’t take it more than recommended and try to be consistent throughout the treatment. Consult your doctor if you are not feeling any improvement in your condition.
If you need urgent surgery, tell your doctor in advance that you are on this medication. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking Raloxifene at least three days before surgery and start it again when you become fully active. You should visit your doctor for a regular checkup during your treatment and self-examine your breast for lumps on a regular interval.
Keep the medication out of children’s reach and store it at room temperature away from heat and moisture. After completion of treatment, ask your pharmacist regarding the disposal of leftover medicines.
Raloxifene dosage
The dosage of Raloxifene prescribed by the doctor is dependent on several factors, such as :
- The age and weight of the patient
- Symptoms
- The seriousness of the condition
- Other medical issues that the patient is having
- Other medications that the patient is using
- How the patient reacted to the first dose of the medication
The doctor may prescribe the dosage of Raloxifene according to the different medical conditions of the patient.
Dosage for preventing bone loss
In the form of oral tablets
For adults
60 mg of Raloxifene tablets, once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if he thinks fit.
For children
Doctors should not recommend this medicine for children.
Dosage for treating bone loss
In the form of oral tablets
For adults
60 mg of Raloxifene tablets, once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if he thinks fit.
For children
Doctors should not recommend this medicine for children.
Dosage for preventing invasive breast cancer
In the form of oral tablets
For adults
60 mg of Raloxifene tablets, once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if he thinks fit.
For children
Doctors should not recommend this medicine for children.
Overdose
There are no specific Raloxifene overdose symptoms, but if you ever feel uneasy while taking this medication, you can consult your doctor and seek a medical assistant. You can also call the poison helpline number at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid while using Raloxifene?
If you are on this medication, you should avoid long journeys. Don’t take calcium supplements more than recommended; it may result in kidney stones.
Raloxifene side effects
Some of the common side effects of using Raloxifene are as follows:
- Hot flashes
- Leg cramps
- Swelling in hands, ankles, and feet
- Pain in joints
- Symptoms of flu
- Increased sweating
It is obvious to experience mild side effect symptoms, but if these symptoms bother you so much and are unbearable, you should consult your doctor and ask for medical help. You can stop taking medication and tell your doctor if you face the following problems while taking Raloxifene:
- Swelling or tenderness in the breast
- Symptoms of strokes, such as sudden weakness or numbness, slurred speech, a problem in vision
- Signs of the blood clot in the lungs- pain in the chest, trouble in breathing, coughing up blood
- Symptoms of the blood clot in the body- swelling, warmth, redness in arms or legs
- Problem related to urination
- Loss of coordination
You should also report to your doctor from time to time if you experience any new symptoms or your symptoms are getting even more worst.
What drugs can interact with Raloxifene?
If your doctor is treating you with Raloxifene, he must be knowing all the possible interactions with other medications. It is your responsibility to tell the doctor about all the over the counter medicines you take or taken in the past few days. Some of the following medications which can interact with Raloxifene are:
- Cholestyramine
- Warfarin
- Birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
- Herbal products
- Other over the counter medicines