< Back to Prescription Drug Index

Discuss prescriptions and health topics in the new HealthDigest Forum

Raloxifene hydrochloride
Raloxifene hydrochloride(Evista)
Raloxifene hydrochloride
(ral-OX-ih-feen)
Pregnancy Category: X Evista (Rx)

Classification: Estrogen receptor modulator

Action/Kinetics: Selective estrogen receptor modulator that reduces bone resorption and decreases overall bone turnover. Considered an estrogen antagonist that acts by combining with estrogen receptors. Has not been associated with endometrial proliferation, breast enlargement, breast pain, or increased risk of breast cancer. Also decreases total and LDL cholesterol levels. Absorbed rapidly after PO; significant first-pass effect. Excreted primarily in feces with small amounts excreted in urine.

Uses: Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Not effective in reducing hot flashes or flushes associated with estrogen deficiency. Investigational: Reduce risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Contraindications: In women who are or who might become pregnant, active or history of venous thromboembolic events (e.g., DVT, pulmonary embolism, retinal vein thrombosis). Use in premenopausal women, during lactation, or in pediatric clients. Concurrent use with systemic estrogen or hormone replacement therapy.

Special Concerns: Use with caution with highly protein-bound drugs, including clofibrate, diazepam, diazoxide, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen. Effect on bone mass density beyond 2 years of treatment is not known.

Side Effects: CV: Hot flashes, migraine. Body as a whole: Infection, flu syndrome, chest pain, fever, weight gain, peripheral edema. CNS: Depression, insomnia. GI: Nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, GI disorder, gastroenteritis. GU: Vaginitis, UTI, cystitis, leukorrhea, endometrial disorder. Respiratory: Sinusitis, pharyngitis, increased cough, pneumonia, laryngitis. Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia, leg cramps, arthritis. Dermatologic: Rash, sweating.

Laboratory Test Alterations: Apolipoprotein A1, steroid-binding globulin, thyroxine-binding globulin, corticosteroid-binding globulin. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fibrinogen, apolipoprotien B, lipoprotein.