Trade Name(s):
Evista
Available
60 mg tablets
Dose
60 mg once daily
Indications
Prevention and treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis
Side Effects
Hot flashes are the most common side effect. Women who are pregnant or who are not on adequate birth control have an increased risk of harming the developing child. While raloxifene may reduce cholesterol levels and may potentially decrease the risk of breast cancer, it also may increase the risk of developing blood clots. Vaginal bleeding may occur in up to 3-5% of post-menopausal women taking this drug.
Monitoring
Bone densitometry testing every 1-2 years is recommended.
Important Points to Know
This medication should be taken in place of, not in combination with estrogen preparations. As above, it does not prevent hot flashes and may in fact cause them in patients previously not experiencing these symptoms.