Raloxifene Oral Tablet (RALOXIFENE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • bone strength
  • cancer prevention

Brand Name(s): Evista

Generic Name: Raloxifene

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may affect the strength of your bones. If you have or are at increased risk for osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), your doctor may recommend foods with calcium and vitamin D.

Cautions

This medicine is not approved for use in men.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • dizziness
  • feeling of heat or flushing

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • loss of movement anywhere on the body
  • shortness of breath
  • slurred speech
  • sweating
  • weakness on one side of the body

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.