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Evista, |raloxifene

raloxifene

Generic Name: raloxifene (oral) (rah LOX ih feen)
Brand Names: Evista

What is raloxifene?

Raloxifene alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It reduces loss of bone tissue. Although studies are not complete, raloxifene appears to work without increasing the risk of breast or uterine cancer.

Raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (decreased density of bone mass) in postmenopausal women.

Raloxifene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.

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

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

Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of

• blood clots;

• stroke;

• cancer;

• increased triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); or

• liver disease.

You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take raloxifene?

Take raloxifene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Raloxifene can be taken with or without food.

Take raloxifene at the same time each day.

Your doctor may want you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you do not receive enough of these substances from your regular diet.

Weight-bearing exercise may also be helpful.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek medical attention.

Symptoms of a raloxifene overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking raloxifene?

Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.

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

Alcohol and cigarette smoking may cause increased bone loss. Discuss with your doctor the use of these products.

Raloxifene side effects

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• sharp pain in the legs;

• swelling of the legs;

• sudden chest pain;

• coughing up blood;

• changes in vision; or

• unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take raloxifene and talk to your doctor if you experience

• leg cramps,

• muscle soreness,

• weight gain,

• sweating,

• hot flashes, or

• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect raloxifene?

Before taking raloxifene, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid);

• the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin); or

• an estrogen or progesterone product such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with raloxifene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about raloxifene written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Raloxifene is available with a prescription under the brand name Evista. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Evista 60 mg--white, elliptical, film-coated tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.