Raloxifene

What is Raloxifene for?

When a woman reaches menopause, the levels of the female sex hormone, estrogen, decreases. The decrease in estrogen may also cause the bones to become thinner, weaker and easier to break, causing a condition called osteoporosis.

Raloxifene belongs to a group of non-hormonal medicines called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). Raloxifene is used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by mimicking some of the helpful effects of estrogen after menopause. 

How should I take or use Raloxifene?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• You should take one tablet daily, preferably at the same time every day.
• You may take it together with calcium and vitamin D supplements, as prescribed by your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Raloxifene?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Raloxifene?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  
• You have not been through menopause yet.
  
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, kidney problems, stroke, heart disease, blood clots or cancer.
  
• You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  
• You are, or know you will be unable to move around for some time, e.g., being wheel-chair bound or having to stay in bed while recovering from an operation or illness as it may increase your risk of blood clots.
  

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Raloxifene?

• Some medications might interact with this medication. These include blood thinners such as warfarin, cholesterol medications such as cholestyramine and hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). Check with your healthcare professional if you want to take any other medicines, supplements or herbal products. 
• If you see another healthcare professional, inform him that you are taking this medication before he prescribes any other medications.

What are some common side effects of Raloxifene?

Common side effects include:

• Hot flushes
• Wear loose fitting clothes or go to areas with air conditioning.
• Flu-like symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
• Leg cramps
• Swelling of hands, feet and legs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects.
  
• Headache
• You may take Paracetamol to manage headaches.
  
• Mild breast discomfort such as pain, enlargement and tenderness
  
• Increased blood pressure
  

How should I store Raloxifene?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them.

How do I throw away Raloxifene safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.