What is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene, also sold under the trade names Evista, Ralista (produced by Cipla) among several other names in the world, is a medication used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Raloxifene alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body, thereby reducing bone tissue loss. It is also prescribed for the reduction of the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are at an elevated risk of invasive breast cancer.
Raloxifene may also be given for conditions not listed above.

Important Information about Raloxifene

You must not take Raloxifene (Ralista) medication if you are allergic to its active ingredient Raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot. Although a postmenopausal woman will not get pregnant, this medication can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Let your doctor know immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.

You will be required to stop Raloxifene (Ralista) medication if you must have a surgery or bed rest. You should stop taking this medication at least 72 hours before your surgery begins. Any healthcare personnel who treats you must know that you are taking Raloxifene.

If you are travelling for a long time while taking Raloxifene like a long haul flight, make sure that you relax by taking short walks during your journey, thereby avoiding continuously sitting still. 

Before taking Raloxifene

Before taking Raloxifene medication, discuss above all the points that are mentioned above with your doctor and take necessary precautions.
Let your doctor know beforehand if you have these conditions: heart disease, especially coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis); high blood pressure; liver or kidney disease; a history of stroke or mini stroke (TIA); high triglycerides (often due to high cholesterol in blood); if you have not gone through menopause; or If you have a history of breast cancer. 

If any of these conditions matches your case, you may require special medical tests and Raloxifene dose adjustment from usual dosage for safe treatment.

Raloxifene is categorized as FDA Pregnancy category X meaning you must not take Raloxifene medication if you are pregnant. Notify your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medication. It is unknown if Raloxifene can pass into breast milk or harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about this and don’t take this medicine without your doctor’s advice.

How should I take Raloxifene?

Take Raloxifene medication strictly as directed by your doctor. Don’t alter the dosage under any situation unless or otherwise advised by your doctor or you may witness dangerous effects of the medication. Raloxifene can be taken with or without food. It can be taken at any point of time during the day, but try to maintain a fixed schedule and take it at the same time daily.

Raloxifene is not a single form of treatment for your bone loss condition. Your osteoporosis treatment may include a combination of diet, calcium, or vitamin D supplements, and weight control. Maintain these properly for best results.
Always store Raloxifene in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Raloxifene, take it as soon as you remember it. If the time to take the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Don’t take extra medication to compensate for the missed dose. 

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical help if you have taken an overdose of Raloxifene, symptoms of which may include leg cramps and dizziness. 

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Raloxifene

Don’t take extra calcium supplements (more than prescribed) as more than required amount of calcium in your body will lead to conditions like kidney stones. Also avoid sitting unmoved for a long period, especially during travel.

Raloxifene Side Effects

Get emergency medical attention if you get these allergic reactions to Raloxifen (Ralista): hives, breathing difficulty, swelling on your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor if you witness these serious side effects: unexpected numbness, especially on one side of the body; sudden headache; confusion; vision, speech, or balance difficulties; pain in chest; sudden cough; wheezing; fast breathing or heart rate; pain or swelling in lower limbs; fever; chills; sore throat; body aches; flu symptoms; unusual vaginal bleeding; pain, tenderness, or lumps in breast; painful or burning urination; or extreme pain in your lower back.

Some less serious side effects of Raloxifen are hot flashes; leg or joint pain; headache; mild vertigo; excessive sweating; runny or stuffy nose; nausea; vomiting; or stomach pain.

These are not a complete set of side effects which you may experience due to Raloxifene (Ralista) usage. There may be other side effects. Discuss about the side effects with your doctor. 

Raloxifen Dosing Information

Normal recommended dosage of Raloxifene is 60mg tablet daily, which may be taken any time of the day without regard to meals. Your dosage may differ or as prescribed by your doctor. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice always.

Interaction with other Drugs

Raloxifene can interact with these medications so let your doctor know if you use these or any other medications: birth control pills or HRT drugs; diazepam; diazoxide; cholestyramine; or a blood thinner such as warfarin.

The drugs mentioned above are not the only ones which may interact with Raloxifen (Ralista). There may be others as well. Share the list of all medicines you use at present with your doctor and never start a new medication on your own.