What is Raloxifene
Raloxifene is a prescription medication that women take after menopause to avoid and treat bone loss ( osteoporosis ). It helps keep bones intact and slows bone loss, making them less likely to crack. The drug can also reduce the chance of getting breast cancer after menopause. It is not an oestrogen hormone, but it has estrogen-like effects in many areas of the body, such as the bones. The drug acts as an oestrogen receptor in other areas of the body, such as the uterus and breasts. It doesn't help with hot flashes or other menopause symptoms.
Raloxifene Uses
Raloxifene is a drug that helps postmenopausal women avoid and treat osteoporosis. It is often used to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or who are at high risk of developing this form of cancer. This drug belongs to a group of medications called selective oestrogen receptor modulators. It works to prevent and treat osteoporosis by mimicking estrogen's effects on bone density. The drug blocks the effects of oestrogen on breast tissue, lowering the risk of invasive breast cancer. This could halt the progression of tumours that require oestrogen to develop.
Side Effects:
Some of the Common Side effects of Raloxifene are:
- Hot flashes
- Leg Cramps
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Jointpain
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight Gain
- Muscle Pain
Some of the serious side effects of Raloxifene are:
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Breast Pain
- Bronchitis
- Pharyngitis
- Increased triglycerides
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Stroke
Raloxifene can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions:
Before taking Raloxifene talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medication-related to it. The drug may contain some inactive ingredients which will cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as liver disease, kidney disease, abdominal pain, heart disease and stomach cramps.
How to use Raloxifene?
Take your medication every day at the same time, with or without food. If you are having major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you must stop taking the drug at least 3 days before the procedure. It's possible that you won't be able to resume the drug until you're back on your feet. The normal dosage for Raloxifene is 60 mg once daily and it can be taken with or without meals.
How does Raloxifene work?
Hormones are chemical compounds formed by glands in the body that travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues. The hormone testosterone, for example, is formed in the testicles and is responsible for male characteristics such as a deeper voice and more body hair. The use of hormone therapy to treat cancer is focused on the discovery that certain tumour cells have receptors for particular hormones necessary for cell development. Hormone therapy can function by blocking hormone receptors, preventing the development of a specific hormone, or substituting chemically similar agents for the active hormone that the tumour cell can't use.
Missed dose:
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to your daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose:
If you have taken too much dosage, seek emergency medical care or call a doctor. Some of the common symptoms of Raloxifene are nausea, vomiting, headache and hot flashes.
Interactions:
Drug interactions can cause Raloxifene to function differently or it can put you at risk for severe adverse effects. Keep a record of all the medications that you use (including prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not begin, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor. Raloxifene can interact with various medicines, like ospemifene, cholestyramine, famciclovir, levothyroxine and warfarin.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:
- This drug can lead to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- Women who had an active and past history of thromboembolism should avoid taking this drug.
- In a trial, postmenopausal women with reported coronary heart disease or at increased risk for major coronary accidents had a higher risk of dying from stroke.
- Women who are pregnant should avoid using this medication as it can lead to some serious adverse effects in the pregnant and unborn child.
- The drug can pass into the breastmilk and can harm the infant.
Storage:
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Raloxifene vs Femara
Raloxifene |
Femara |
|---|---|
| Raloxifene is a prescription medication that women take after menopause to avoid and treat bone loss (osteoporosis). | Femara is a brand-name prescription drug used for the treatment of cancer in women who had menopause. |
| This drug belongs to a group of medications called selective oestrogen receptor modulators. | Femara is an oral drug that stimulates ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility that isn't caused by other factors. |
Some of the common side effects of Raloxifene are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Femara are:
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