Before taking raloxifene

Before taking raloxifene make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever suffered from a blood clot in a vein, lung, eye or elsewhere.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you have had any heart problems.
• If you have high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood.
• If you suffer from cholestasis (problems with the flow of bile from your liver).
• If you have noticed any bleeding from the vagina.
• If you suffer from breast or endometrial cancer.
• If you suffer from porphyria.

How to take raloxifene

• Raloxifene is generally taken once daily.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D, either through your diet (milk, cheese) or by taking supplements.
• Osteoporosis makes your bones thinner and they may break more easily if you fall. Take care to reduce the risk of falls by wearing well fitting shoes or slippers, having hand rails fitted near steps and getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Your doctor may run blood tests to check your liver function.
• You will probably have a bone density scan a year after starting treatment, to check your progress.

Can raloxifene cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Signs of a blood clot include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area (e.g. clot in the leg), or difficulty in breathing, chest pain, cough with or without blood, and palpitations (e.g. clot in the lung). Seek medical help immediately if any of these signs develop.

How to store raloxifene

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines