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Raloxifene |
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What is Raloxifene and why is it prescribed? Raloxifene is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease that strikes some women after menopause. Like estrogen, Raloxifene reduces bone loss and increases bone density. However, Raloxifene 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. How should you take Raloxifene? Follow your doctors directions for taking Raloxifene. Take Raloxifene 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. Store Raloxifene at room temperature. Are there any Raloxifene side effects? Raloxifene side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Raloxifene has one very positive side effect, it lowers total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It does not affect HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels. More common Raloxifene 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, and weight gain. Less common Raloxifene side effects may include decreased sense of touch, fainting, laryngitis, migraine, nerve pain, pinkeye, pneumonia, urinary disorders, varicose veins, and vaginal bleeding. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Raloxifene? If Raloxifene is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Raloxifene with Cholestyramine (Questran), Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Diazepam (Valium), Diazoxide (Proglycem), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Indomethacin (Indocin), Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Raloxifene? Because of Raloxifene'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. 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 is not needed prior to menopause and should not be taken until menopause has passed. Use Raloxifene with caution if you have congestive heart failure, a liver condition, or cancer. Be cautious, too, if you have 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, tell your doctor immediately. Raloxifene will not cure hot flashes. Nevertheless, never combine Raloxifene with estrogen hormones. If you have had a problem with high blood triglyceride levels when taking estrogen, Raloxifene may cause the same problem. However, it tends to lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 11 percent. |
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