Raloxifene

Raloxifene

(ral OX i feen)

U.S. Brand Names

Evista®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Raloxifene; Evista®

Mexican Brand Names

Evista

Pharmacologic Category

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine may increase the risk of a stroke or blood clots. Talk with healthcare provider.

Please read the medication guide.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to raloxifene or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have blood clots or have had blood clots in the past.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.

• This medicine is used to prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis or at increased risk.

How does it work?

• When the body no longer produces estrogen, this medicine is used as an estrogen replacement.

• Raloxifene prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer cells. This decreases spread of the cancer.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high triglycerides, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Avoid being immobile for long periods of time (long trips, bedrest following surgery). Not moving for long periods may increase your risk of blood clots. Resume normal activity as soon as possible.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Hot flashes. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Joint pain.

• Leg cramps.

• Inability to sleep.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.

• Severe headache.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Significant weight gain.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.

• Any rash.

• A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.

• For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Read the package insert for more details.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:28:48.0

Modified: 2009-07-06 11:37:02.0

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