What is Raloxifene: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Never share your medicine with anyone.

Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Never share your medicine with anyone.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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.

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, kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or a history of breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure.

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.

Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. If you have vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or breast enlargement while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor right away.

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.

Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Unusual vaginal pain, bleeding, or discharge.

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®, or Zocor®).

Make sure your doctor knows if you have congestive heart failure, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or a history of breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure.

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.

Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the uterus or breast. If you have vaginal bleeding, breast pain, or breast enlargement while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor right away.

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.