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Raloxifene


  • You will probably have a bone density scan a year after starting treatment.
  • Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D, either through your diet (milk, cheese) or by taking supplements.

About raloxifene

Type of medicine Selective oestrogen receptor modulator
Used for Treating and preventing bone thinning after the menopause
Also called Evista
Available as Tablets

Raloxifene works by mimicking the natural effects of oestrogen. This gradually reverses the excessive breakdown of bone that happens at menopause and makes bones stronger.

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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Flu symptoms Speak to your doctor if this becomes troublesome
Hot flushes Speak to your doctor if this becomes troublesome
Leg cramps Try gentle stretching exercises to ease the pain

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3282		 DocRef:
dils2199		 Last Updated:
19 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
18 Jul 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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