RALOXIFENE (ral-OX-I-feen)

Raloxifene,a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is used in treating and preventing osteoporosis in women who are past menopause.

Raloxifene is not recommended for use in men.

Take exactly as prescribed by your health care professional.

Contact your paediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:, such as hot flashes; increased sweating; joint aches; leg cramps.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

chest pain;
confusion;
slurred speech;
back or side pain;
coughing up blood;
flu-like symptoms;
one-sided weakness;
shortness of breath;
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
leg or calf pain, warmth, or swelling;
breast pain, tenderness, swelling, lump or discharge;
blurred vision, loss of vision, or other vision changes;
swelling of the hands, arms, legs or feet; unexplained bleeding
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

anion exchange resins
anticoagulants
diazepam
diazoxide
lidocaine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Evista may interact with other medicines that you take.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you have a history of liver problems, kidney problems, breast cancer, or any other type of cancer

if anyone in your family has a history of serious blood clots

if you have a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), blood vessel problems, heart problems, (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), or high blood pressure

if you are at risk for stroke or heart problems

if you are not able to absorb nutrients properly (gastrointestinal malabsorption syndrome), or you have very poor health

if you are taking an estrogen or have a history of high triglyceride levels while taking an estrogen

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Consult your health care professional about your missed dose.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Raloxifene before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Tell your doctor if you will be traveling, or any other time you may be confined to a bed or chair.

Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

If you conceive whilst on a course with this medication inform your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive.