Raloxifene Tablet: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Raloxifene is a medication commonly used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It helps strengthen bones and reduces the risk of fractures by acting like estrogen on bone tissue. Raloxifene is also sometimes used to lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in certain women.

The usual dose of Raloxifene is 60 mg once daily, taken with or without food. While generally well-tolerated, it may cause side effects such as hot flashes, leg cramps, or a risk of blood clots in rare cases.

What Is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is a prescription medication used primarily by postmenopausal women to prevent and treat osteoporosis (bone loss). It helps maintain bone density and reduces the likelihood of fractures. Additionally, Raloxifene can decrease the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that mimics the effects of estrogen on bones while blocking estrogen's effects on other tissues, such as the breast and uterus. However, it does not alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Uses of Raloxifene Tablet

Raloxifene is used for:

• Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
• Reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk for breast cancer

What Conditions Raloxifene Treats

• Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Reduction in risk of vertebral fractures

Secondary Uses of Raloxifene

• Lowering the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women
• Improving bone mineral density in women with risk factors

How Does Raloxifene Work?

• Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
• It acts like estrogen on bones, helping strengthen them and reduce bone loss.
• It blocks estrogen effects on breast and uterine tissues, lowering cancer risk.
• It doesn't affect the nervous system directly but influences hormonal balance.

Raloxifene Dosage

• The usual recommended dose is 60 mg once daily, with or without food.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions for proper dosage and timing.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double-dose.

What Happens If There Is an Overdose?

• Symptoms of raloxifene may include leg cramps, dizziness, or flushing.
• Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.

Raloxifene Side Effects

Raloxifene side effects may include swelling, and increased risk of blood clots. These occur because raloxifene acts like estrogen in some tissues (bones) and blocks it in others (breast, uterus), affecting hormone balance, blood flow, and clotting mechanisms, especially in postmenopausal women.

Common side effects include:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Joint pain
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Muscle pain

Serious side effects may include:

• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Breast pain
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Increased triglycerides
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Stroke

If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions

Before taking Raloxifene, inform your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to Raloxifene or any of its components.
• Have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, abdominal pain, heart disease, or stomach cramps.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

• Raloxifene may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, altering their effectiveness.
• It can reduce the absorption of certain medications, such as cholestyramine.
• Taking raloxifene with estrogen-containing therapies is generally not recommended.
• Combining with calcium or vitamin D supplements is usually safe, but should be monitored.
• Inform your doctor about any herbal products, especially those affecting hormones, like black cohosh or soy-based supplements.

How Should Raloxifene Be Stored?

• Store raloxifene tablets at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
• Keep the medicine in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light.
• Do not store in bathrooms or humid places.

What Happens If Raloxifene Is Not Stored Properly?

• Improper storage can reduce the medicine's effectiveness or cause it to break down.
• Moisture and heat can damage the tablet, potentially leading to side effects or reduced results.
• Always check the expiry date and appearance of the tablet before use.

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