Raloxifene Hydrochloride
About
Raloxifene Hydrochloride belongs to the class of medicines called selective estrogen receptor modulators. It is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. This medicine reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis. Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes thinning and weakening of the bones during/after a menopausal period.
Raloxifene Hydrochloride consists of Raloxifene hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of non-hormonal medications known as Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). When a woman achieves menopause, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen decreases. This medication replicates some of the beneficial effects of oestrogen after menopause.
Take Raloxifene Hydrochloride as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Raloxifene Hydrochloride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and stomach upset, increased blood pressure, hot flushes (vasodilation) and flu syndrome. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Raloxifene Hydrochloride is only for post-menopausal women and should not be taken by pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant. This medication may be harmful to your unborn child. If breastfeeding, do not take this medication because it may be excreted in the breast milk. If you are lactose intolerant, inform your doctor before taking this medication. It is recommended not to use if you are allergic to raloxifene or any of the other ingredients of this medicine if you have liver disease, severe kidney problems, active uterine cancer, or any unexplained vaginal bleeding. So, inform your doctor about your medical condition.
Uses of Raloxifene Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
Raloxifene Hydrochloride consists of Raloxifene hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of non-hormonal medications known as Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). When a woman achieves menopause, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen decreases. This medication replicates some of the beneficial effects of oestrogen after menopause. Raloxifene hydrochloride is also used to reduce the chance of developing invasive breast cancer (breast cancer that has progressed outside of the milk ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue) in postmenopausal women at high risk or with osteoporosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Raloxifene Hydrochloride
- Headache including migraine
- Leg cramps
- Swelling of hands, feet and legs (peripheral oedema)
- Gallstones
- Rash
- Pain, enlargement, and tenderness of breast
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and stomach upset
- Increased blood pressure
- Hot flushes (vasodilation)
- Flu syndrome (an infection of the nose, throat and lungs)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor about any allergic or hypersensitive reactions to drugs or food before taking the Raloxifene Hydrochloride. Inform your doctor about your medical history and current drugs to rule out any potential side effects. Raloxifene Hydrochloride is only for postmenopausal women. As a result, it should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not suggested for usage in children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Raloxifene Hydrochloride may interact with anti-cancer drugs (e.g. bexarotene, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, pomalidomide), certain diagnostic agents (e.g. fluoroestradiol F 18), immunomodulatory class of medications (e.g. thalidomide), and antifibrinolytic medications (e.g. tranexamic acid).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Raloxifene Hydrochloride interact with various disease conditions, including liver disease (examples of liver disease include cirrhosis, mild hepatic impairment or cholestatic jaundice), Heart disorders, pulmonary disorders, kidney problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and active uterine cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
cautionRaloxifene Hydrochloride is only recommended for post-menopausal women. It is not recommended to use in pregnancy as it may harm the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding, as it might be excreted in breast milk and may harm your child.
Driving
cautionRaloxifene Hydrochloride usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIt is not recommended for use in patients with liver disease (examples of liver disease include cirrhosis, mild hepatic impairment or cholestatic jaundice). Inform your doctor before receiving the Raloxifene Hydrochloride if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionIt is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency. Inform your doctor before receiving the Raloxifene Hydrochloride if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeRaloxifene Hydrochloride is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, or milk-based custard in your diet.
- Eat daily a serving of broccoli, cabbage, Chinese white cabbage, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
- Snack on calcium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts or almonds.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads. Sesame seeds are high in calcium.
- Avoid or reduce the intake of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol that inhibit calcium absorption.
- Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for extra calcium in your food.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Postmenopausal osteoporosis: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a medical disorder that causes bone loss and weakness during and after menopause. Estrogen insufficiency increases the risk of developing osteoporosis (weak bones). The decline in oestrogen during the menopause era (45 years of age) causes more bone resorption (osteoclasts; bone disintegration) than creation (osteoblasts; new bone development), leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has no symptoms in the early stages. Yet, if sufficient care is not given, it might result in shattered bones. The bones do not pain at first, and breaks in the spine's bones may go unnoticed until they cause height reduction. Bones with osteoporosis might shatter at any time, even during normal tasks such as lifting or small activities.
FAQs
Raloxifene Hydrochloride consists of Raloxifene hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of non-hormonal medications known as Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). When a woman achieves menopause, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen decreases. This medication mimics some of the beneficial effects of oestrogen after menopause.
One of the most prevalent side effects of Raloxifene Hydrochloride is high blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is recommended. In most cases, it normally does not require medical attention and resolves on its own. However, if the illness persists or worsens, please seek medical attention.
If you are taking anti-coagulants like warfarin to thin your blood, inform your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of these medicines.
Raloxifene Hydrochloride cannot be used to treat invasive breast cancer or to keep it from returning in women who have already had the disease.
