Raloxifene

The recommended adult dose of raloxifene is 60 mg daily at the same time each day, with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Raloxifene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Raloxifene at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause hot flashes; it may cause leg cramps; it may cause sleep disturbances or insomnia; it may cause muscle pain; it may cause leg swelling or water retention; it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each white, elliptical, film-coated tablet with "R60" on one side contains 60 mg of raloxifene hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, dibasic calcium phosaphte, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.

Raloxifene should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to raloxifene or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is breast-feeding
• is pregnant or could become pregnant
• has had thrombosis (Blood Clots)

There may be an interaction between raloxifene and any of the following:

• Cholestyramine
• estrogens
• Levothyroxine
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Raloxifene. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Raloxifene.

Blood clots: A blood clot in the vein is a possible side effect of raloxifene. If you have a history of blood clots, including in the legs, lungs, or eyes, taking Raloxifene may increase the risk of getting blood clots. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. If you experience any symptoms of blood clots (see "What side effects are possible with Raloxifene?"), stop taking the medication and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Calcium and vitamin D: It is important that you are receiving the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D each day. If you are not getting enough from your diet, your health care provider may recommend you take vitamin D and calcium supplements. Talk to your health care provider about the amount of calcium and vitamin D you should be receiving.

Effect on uterus, breast, and mental function: Raloxifene is not associated with side effects on the uterus, breast, or mental function. Therefore, if you experience unexplained uterine bleeding, breast pain, breast enlargement, changes in mood, or deterioration of mental function, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver: People who have liver disease should discuss with their doctor how Raloxifene may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Raloxifene, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Men: Raloxifene is not for use by men.

Prolonged inactivity: Because of an increased risk of blood clots, raloxifene should be stopped at least 72 hours before and during long periods of inactivity (e.g., after surgery, prolonged bed rest).

Stroke and heart disease: Women taking raloxifene and who have had a Heart Attack or are at risk for a heart attack may have an increased risk dying from stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Women who have not reached Menopause: The safety and effectiveness of using Raloxifene have not been established for women who have not reached menopause. Raloxifene should not be used by premenopausal women.

Pregnancy: Raloxifene should not be used during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if raloxifene passes into breast milk. Raloxifene should not be used by women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Raloxifene have not been established for children. Raloxifene should not be used by children.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to chew or crush this medication since it has an unpleasant taste. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.