Raloxifene; Generic Evista

Raloxifene is used for:

Treating and preventing osteoporosis (bone thinning) in women past menopause.

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It prevents osteoporosis by building bone and stopping the thinning of bone that occurs in women after menopause.

Raloxifene is as effective as tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in certain high risk groups of females.

Do NOT use Raloxifene if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Raloxifene
• you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• you have or have had blood clots
• you are taking an anion exchange resin (eg, cholestyramine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Raloxifene :

Some medical conditions may interact with Raloxifene. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are currently immobilized, have liver problems, congestive heart failure, or cancer, or have not passed menopause
• if your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels increased when you took estrogens in the past

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Raloxifene. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anion exchange resins (eg, cholestyramine) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Raloxifene
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Raloxifene

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Raloxifene may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Raloxifene :

Use Raloxifene as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Raloxifene. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Raloxifene by mouth with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Raloxifene , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Raloxifene.

Important safety information:

• It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements, such as calcium or vitamin D.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Raloxifene before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Being immobile for a long period of time while taking Raloxifene may increase your risk of blood clots. During long periods of travel, get up and move around as often as possible.
• Raloxifene should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Raloxifene if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Raloxifene is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Raloxifene.

Possible side effects of Raloxifene :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Depression; gas; hot flashes; indigestion; joint pain; laryngitis; leg cramps; muscle pain; sleeplessness; stomach ache; vaginal irritation, redness, or swelling.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting; bladder inflammation; breast pain, tenderness, or enlargement; changes in vision; chest pain; coughing up blood; pain in the calves; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, feet, or legs; unusual weight gain; urinary tract disorder; vaginal bleeding or discharge.