Raloxifene is used to strengthen thin and weak bones in people who have or are at risk of osteoporosis. It helps to stop the loss of bone and also helps to increase bone mass. This helps to reduce the risk of getting a fracture.
Take Raloxifene exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Raloxifene with or without food. Take it at the same time every day.
Swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Raloxifene must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Raloxifene even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- previous stroke or "mini-strokes"
- cancer of the uterus or cervix
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- a history of blood clots (for example, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the eyes)
Do not take Raloxifene if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Raloxifene may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or elevated blood triglycerides (fats in the blood).
Raloxifene may not be suitable for you if you are confined to a bed or wheelchair, or if you are going for an operation which will require you to have a long period of bed rest.
If you travel, try to avoid prolonged periods of restricted movement as there is an increased risk of developing blood clots with Raloxifene. If you are on a long flight, move and stretch your legs at regular intervals to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
You will need to have regular breast examinations, mammograms and blood tests while being treated with Raloxifene. Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor.
You will need to have regular blood and urine tests to check your calcium levels and kidney function. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Raloxifene. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Raloxifene may cause any of the following: flu-like symptoms, hot flushes, headache, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, leg cramps, swelling of the legs, feet and hands.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- severe or persistent pain or swelling in the legs (especially lower legs) or an unexplained sensation of heat in your lower leg
- severe or persistent swelling of the hands or feet
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- coughing up blood
- eye pain or changes in your vision
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin or protein-bound drugs e.g. lidocaine, diazepam.
Raloxifene should not be taken at the same time as colestyramine. Colestyramine could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine, take this medicine at least 4 hours after you have taken colestyramine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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