Raloxifene also is popularly known as Evista, a second-generation SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) that works as an inhibitor of estrogen and its production in the body. As an estrogen-controlling drug, Evista is known to treat uterine and breast-related cancers. Because of its proven potency in the treatment of breast cancer and osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women, this drug has become popular in many countries across the world. Remember that women who are suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis are highly vulnerable to the risk of invasive breast cancer.
Studies conducted to establish the treatment effect of this drug in comparison to other equivalents such as tamoxifen showed that the drug does not have adverse effects. However, researchers found that Raloxifene was associated with a lower and rare risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism. Owing to these findings, Raloxifene has become increasingly popular for the protection and treatment of invasive breast cancer, especially among postmenopausal women with high osteoporosis.
A Detailed Look into its Uses
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Raloxifene has been used for many years to treat women for bone loss, especially which is escalated after reaching menopause. It has been found to slow down muscle wasting and bone loss while at the same time keeping your bones much stronger. That reduces the risks of injuries involving broken bones. This drug helps with a lot of conditions, including the following:• Resolving bone loss and muscle wasting following menopause• Preventing and treating breast cancer, especially among women who’ve hit menopause (these are highly vulnerable to breast cancer)• Preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis• Preventing Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
It also decreases the risk of getting other types of cancer of the breast other than post-menopause breast cancer.
Although it is non-estrogen, Raloxifene works in the same way estrogens work. When in the breasts, this drug works to block or inhibit estrogen production. However, it doesn’t help to relieve menopause symptoms.
Precaution
• This treatment should not be applied before attaining menopause. • It should not be used to prevent or treat heart-related diseases• This medication should not be used before menopause.
How to use Raloxifene HCL
Before starting with this medication, ensure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to know if you are the right candidate for it. It is recommended to take the drug orally as per the doctor’s directions once per day. Taking the medication will help you achieve the best from it. You should consult your doctor to see if you may need to supplement your diet with calcium-reach supplements and those with vitamin D.
Because of its ease of absorption through the lungs and the skin, it is not recommended to take it while pregnant, as it may harm your unborn child.
Side Effects of the Treatment
As hinted to earlier in this article, Raloxifene may carry some side effects, albeit mild and manageable. Some of them include hot flashes and leg cramps. If any of these side effects are on the rise, talk to your doctor for help.
In case you experience any severe or unusual side effects on your body while on this drug, get the help of a medical doctor immediately. Some of the signs you must look out for include blood clot (which may be indicated by sudden pain, swelling, or redness of the leg or arm. Others may be blurred vision, strokes, speech problems, among others.
Interactions of Raloxifene Hydrochloride with Other Drugs
It is worth noting that drug interactions can alter the way your medication works in the body, increasing the risks of side effects. Therefore, it is essential to discuss with your pharmacists and keep a list of drugs that you are currently using to be sure that you do not expose yourself to adverse side effects. It is also not recommended to begin, stop, or change your dosage or medication midway without the advice of your doctor. Here are some of the drugs that Raloxifene may easily interact with: Bile acid-binding resins, including cholestyramine, colestipol, and estrogen-based other medicines.
While on this medication, specific laboratory tests may be hampered, causing inaccurate test outcomes.