Raloxifene (By Mouth)

Raloxifene (ral-OX-i-feen)

Treats and prevents osteoporosis (weak or thin bones) in women who are past menopause.

Brand Name(s):

Evista
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to raloxifene, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have ever had problems with blood clots.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (Coumadin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), diazepam (Valium®), diazoxide (Proglycem®), lidocaine (Lidoderm®), estrogen (hormone replacement therapy or HRT), or medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Baycol®, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, Zocor®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Although it is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman might become pregnant, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have congestive heart failure, cancer, liver disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or a history of breast cancer.
• Raloxifene may increase your risk of having blood clots, especially during the first 4 months that you are using the medicine. Avoid sitting for long periods of time (such as during a long car trip); get up and walk around often.
• If you will be inactive for several days (such as recovering from surgery), talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking this medicine for awhile.
• You can help this medicine work better by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D every day, through either food or supplements. Talk with your doctor about specific ways you can improve your situation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Pain, redness, or swelling in your leg, especially the lower leg
• Severe headache
• Trouble seeing or changes in vision

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.