Raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in postmenopausal women. It helps stop the loss of bone and increase bone mass.
This medicine is also used to decrease the risk of having a certain type of breast cancer in women who have osteoporosis or a higher chance of getting breast cancer after menopause.
Take Raloxifene exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Raloxifene must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of blood clotting problems e.g. blood clots in your eyes, lung arteries or leg veins
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- cancer of the uterus (womb)
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Raloxifene may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or if you are of a childbearing potential. If you become pregnant while being treated with Raloxifene, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Raloxifene if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of heart problems e.g. fast or irregular heartbeat, narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- high blood pressure
- history of stroke
- history of breast cancer
- elevated blood triglycerides (fats in the blood)
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Raloxifene may not be suitable for you if you are confined to a bed or wheelchair, or if you are going for an operation that will require you to have a long period of bed rest.
If you travel, try to avoid prolonged periods of restricted movement as there is an increased risk of developing blood clots with this medicine. If you are on a long flight, move and stretch your legs at regular intervals to prevent blood clots.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Raloxifene. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood cholesterol levels, bone mineral density, breast examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of blood clots in your legs or lungs and unusual vaginal bleeding or changes in the breasts may also be needed.
Raloxifene may cause any of the following side effects: headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, hot flushes, stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, sweating, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, leg cramps, muscle or joint pain, and swelling of the ankles, feet or hands.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- eye pain or pressure, blurred or loss of vision
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, changes in balance or coordination
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- breast enlargement, tenderness or pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- estrogen (medicine for hormone replacement therapy)
- colestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Raloxifene.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from excessive heat, light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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