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Raloxifene hydrochloride

Generic name: Raloxifene hydrochloride
Brand names: Evista

Why is Raloxifene hydrochloride prescribed?

Raloxifene hydrochloride is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease that strikes some women after menopause. A variety of factors promote osteoporosis. The more factors that apply to you, the greater your chances of developing the disease. These factors include:

Caucasian or Asian descent
Slender build
Early menopause
Smoking
Drinking
A diet low in calcium
An inactive lifestyle
Osteoporosis in the family

Most important fact about Raloxifene hydrochloride

Like estrogen, Raloxifene hydrochloride reduces bone loss and increases bone density. However, Raloxifene hydrochloride does not have estrogen-like effects on the uterus and breasts, and therefore is unlikely to increase the risk of cancer, as estrogen therapy sometimes can do.

Although Raloxifene hydrochloride has been shown to increase bone density over the course of a two-year study, its longer-term ability to prevent bone fractures has not yet been proven.

How should you use Raloxifene hydrochloride?

Take Raloxifene hydrochloride once daily, at any time, with or without food. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as well, if you do not get enough in your diet. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Raloxifene hydrochloride has one very positive side effect: It lowers total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It does not affect HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

The unwanted side effects of Raloxifene hydrochloride cannot be predicted. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Raloxifene hydrochloride.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, arthritis, breast pain, bronchitis, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, flu symptoms, gas, gynecological problems, headache, hot flashes, increased cough, indigestion, infection, insomnia, joint pain, leg cramps, muscle ache, nasal inflammation, nausea, rash, sinusitis, sore throat, stomach and intestinal problems, sweating, swelling, tendon soreness, uterine discharge, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weight gain

Why should Raloxifene hydrochloride not be prescribed?

Raloxifene hydrochloride is not for use by women who are--or could become--pregnant. You should also avoid Raloxifene hydrochloride if you have a history of blood clot formation, including deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), and retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the retina of the eye), since Raloxifene hydrochloride increases the risk of clots. Avoid the drug, too, if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Raloxifene hydrochloride

Because of Raloxifene hydrochloride"s tendency to promote clots, you should not take it during long periods of immobilization such as recovery from surgery or prolonged bed rest, or for 72 hours beforehand. If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure the doctor is aware that you are taking Raloxifene hydrochloride.

For the same reason, if you are going on a trip where your movement will be restricted, make a point of periodically getting up and walking around.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is not needed prior to menopause and shouldn"t be taken until menopause has passed. It has not been studied in premenopausal women and its use is not recommended.

Use Raloxifene hydrochloride with caution if you have congestive heart failure, a liver condition, or cancer. Be cautious, too, if you"ve had breast cancer in the past; the drug"s effect in this situation is unknown.

If you develop unusual uterine bleeding or breast problems while taking Raloxifene hydrochloride, tell your doctor immediately.

Raloxifene hydrochloride will not cure hot flashes. (In fact, it may cause them.) Nevertheless, never combine Raloxifene hydrochloride with estrogen hormones.

If you"ve had a problem with high blood triglyceride levels when taking estrogen, Raloxifene hydrochloride may cause the same problem. However, it tends to lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 11 percent.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Raloxifene hydrochloride

If Raloxifene hydrochloride is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Raloxifene hydrochloride with the following:

Cholestyramine (Questran)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Diazepam (Valium)
Diazoxide (Proglycem)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Raloxifene hydrochloride can harm a developing baby. Do not use if you are or may become pregnant. Also avoid breastfeeding while taking Raloxifene hydrochloride.

Recommended dosage

POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

The recommended dosage is one 60-milligram tablet once a day.

Overdosage

There have not been any reports of overdose with Raloxifene hydrochloride. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.