Evista

Generic name: Raloxifene

Raloxifene tablets

What are raloxifene tablets?

RALOXIFENE reduces the amount of calcium lost from bones. It helps to prevent bone loss and to increase normal healthy bone formation in patients with osteoporosis. It also blocks the effects of estrogen in the breast and can be used to prevent certain types of breast cancer.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cancer
• a history of blood clots
• low level of blood calcium
• heart failure
• high level of blood triglycerides
• liver disease
• vitamin D deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to raloxifene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Raloxifene tablets are taken by mouth. They can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with raloxifene?

• ampicillin
• thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
• herbal or dietary supplements like black cohosh or soy

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking raloxifene?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking raloxifene except on your prescriber's advice.

You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking raloxifene. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.

Exercise may help to prevent bone loss. Discuss your exercise needs with your prescriber or health care professional.

Raloxifene can rarely cause blood clots. You should avoid long periods of bed rest while taking raloxifene. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking raloxifene. Raloxifene should be stopped at least 3 days before surgery. After surgery, it should be restarted only after you are walking again. It should not be restarted while you still need long periods of bed rest.

You should not smoke while taking raloxifene. Smoking may also increase your risk of blood clots. Smoking can also decrease the effects of raloxifene on bone.

What side effects might I notice from taking raloxifene?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• difficulty breathing
• leg pain or swelling
• skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• difficulty sleeping
• fluid build-up
• hot flashes
• leg cramps
• muscle aches
• sinus pressure or drainage
• stomach or intestinal gas
• stomach pain
• sweating
• weight gain