Raloxifene Hydrochloride, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)

Generic and brand names: raloxifene hydrochloride, oral; Evista

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) in postmenopausal women (women who no longer have regular monthly periods).

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Do not take this medicine if you:

• are pregnant
• have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• have ever had problems with blood clots
• have to stay in bed for a long time (more than 48 hours) for any reason. You may need to stop taking this medicine while you recover from surgery or major illness.

Tell your health care provider if you have:

• liver disease
• heart disease
• high triglyceride levels in your blood.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant because it can seriously harm the baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I take it?

You may take this medicine with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day to help you remember to take it.

Your health care provider may suggest that you take calcium and vitamin D tablets to help prevent bone loss.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

To prevent blood clots, avoid long periods of sitting. If you are traveling, try to walk around for at least a few minutes every hour or two.

Your health care provider may recommend walking or other exercise while you are taking this medicine. Also, your health care provider may recommend that you do not smoke or drink alcohol because they increase your risk of osteoporosis.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Leg pain that is severe and continues, shortness of breath, chest pain, rash, vaginal bleeding.

Other: Hot flashes, fever, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, ankle swelling, weight gain, muscle pain, depression, sweating.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• cholestyramine (Questran)
• clofibrate (Atromid-S)
• diazepam (Valium)
• estrogen products such as conjugated estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl), esterified estrogens (Estratab, Menest), estradiol (Estraderm, FemPatch, Vivelle, Estrace), and estropipate (Ogen, Ortho-Est)
• ibuprofen (Motrin, Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.