GENERIC NAME: raloxifene
BRAND NAME: Evista
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Estrogen is a hormone which
among
other actions, regulates the turnover (formation and
destruction) of bone.
Decreases in estrogen levels that are seen after menopause or
after
removal of the ovaries, lead to a loss of bone density and
weakened bones,
a condition called osteoporosis. Raloxifene decreases bone
turnover and
increases bone density although not to the same extent as
estrogen itself.
This makes bones stronger and prevents fractures in women with
osteoporosis. Raloxifene is called a "selective estrogen
receptor
modulator" since it has effects like estrogen on some
tissues but
inhibits the effects of estrogen on other tissues. Raloxifene
decreases
low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in
the blood;
however, unlike estrogen, raloxifene does not increase high
density
lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets, 60mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 15°
(59°F)
and 30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Raloxifene is prescribed for the
prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
DOSING: Raloxifene generally is prescribed once daily.
It can
be taken with or without meals. Persons with cirrhosis may need
lower
doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cholestyramine (Questran) reduces
the
absorption of raloxifene. Therefore, these two medications
should be taken
several hours apart. Raloxifene may slightly reduce the ability
of blood
to clot and thus increase the effects of medications that
reduce clotting
(blood thinners). Therefore, if raloxifene is given with blood
thinners
such as warfarin (Coumadin), the ability of blood to clot may
need to be
monitored more closely with frequent measurements of the
prothrombin time
of blood.
PREGNANCY: It is not known if raloxifene causes
adverse fetal
effects if taken during pregnancy although there is an
increased risk of
fetal abnormalities with the use of estrogens. Therefore,
estrogens (and
probably raloxifene) should not be taken during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Raloxifene should not be used by
nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with
raloxifene are
hot flashes (seen in 1 of every four persons), sinusitis (1 in
10), weight
gain (1 in 11), muscle pain (1 in 12), leg cramps (1 in 20),
and ankle
swelling (1 in 30).
Raloxifene increases the risk of blood clots, including deep
vein
thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the
lung). The
greatest increase in risk occurs during the first 4 months of
use.
Patients taking raloxifene should avoid prolonged periods of
restricted
movement during travel when blood clots are more prone to
occur.
Last Editorial Review: 7/23/1998
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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