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raloxifene hydrochloride
Evista

Pregnancy Risk Category X

How supplied
Tablets:
60 mg

Action
A selective estrogen receptor modulator that reduces resorption of bone and decreases overall bone turnover. These effects on bone are manifested as reductions in serum and urine levels of bone turnover markers and increases in bone mineral density.

Indications & dosage
Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women--

Adults:
60 mg P.O. once daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
depression, insomnia, migraine.
CV:
chest pain.
EENT:
sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
GI:
nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, GI disorder, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain.
GU:
vaginitis, urinary tract infection, cystitis, leukorrhea, endometrial disorder, vaginal bleeding.
Metabolic:
weight gain, fever.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, leg cramps, breast pain.
Respiratory:
increased cough, pneumonia.
Skin:
rash, sweating.
Other:
infection, flu syndrome, hot flashes, peripheral edema.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Cholestyramine: causes significant reduction in absorption of raloxifene. Avoid concomitant use.
Highly protein-bound drugs (such as clofibrate, diazepam, diazoxide, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen):
may interfere with binding sites. Use with caution.
Warfarin:
may cause a decrease in PT. Monitor PT and INR closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in women with hypersensitivity to drug or its components; in those with past history or currently active venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and retinal vein thrombosis; in pregnant women or those planning pregnancy; in breast-feeding women; and in children.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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