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Introduction of Raloxifene HCI
Raloxifene is used to help prevent and treat thinning of the
bones only in postmenopausal women. It works like an estrogen
to stop the bone loss that can develop in women after
menopause, but it does not increase the bone density as much
as daily 0.625 mg doses of conjugated estrogens. Raloxifene
will not treat hot flashes of menopause and may cause hot
flashes to occur. Also, raloxifene does not stimulate the
breast or uterus as estrogen does. Raloxifene lowers the blood
concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol, the bad cholesterols, but it does not increase
concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the
good cholesterol, in your blood.
Precautions while taking
Raloxifene HCI
Before you have any kind of surgery, tell the medical doctor
in charge that you are using this medicine. Discuss
discontinuing use of raloxifene 3 days before you think you
will have a long period of inactivity, sitting, or bed rest,
such as after having surgery or going on a long trip. The
doctor may have you start the medicine again after you are
back on your feet and fully mobile. If you are going on a trip
and stay on raloxifene, you should walk regularly or move
about when possible. Remaining still for long periods may
cause blood clots for some people, and raloxifene may rarely
worsen their condition.
If you are able to become pregnant, stop using the medicine
immediately if you think you have become pregnant and check
with your doctor. Raloxifene is recommended for women who are
past menopause.
Raloxifene does not act like an estrogen to stimulate the
uterus or breast. If you experience vaginal bleeding, breast
pain or enlargement, or swelling of hands or feet while on
raloxifene, you should report it to your doctor.
Other ways that may be used with raloxifene to help prevent or
treat bone loss are taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements
and getting weight-bearing exercise. You may want to discuss
these options with your doctor.
Side Effects of Raloxifene HCI
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some
unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may
occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately
if any of the following side effects occur:
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Coughing blood; headache or migraine
headache; loss of or change in speech, coordination, or
vision; pain or numbness in chest, arm, or leg ; shortness
of breath
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the
following side effects occur:
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Bloody or cloudy urine; chest pain;
difficult, burning, or painful urination; fever; frequent
urge to urinate; infection, including body aches or pain,
congestion in throat, cough, dryness or soreness of throat,
and loss of voice; runny nose ; leg cramping; skin rash
; swelling of hands, ankles, or feet; vaginal itching
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Abdominal pain; aching body pains;
congestion in lungs; decreased vision or other changes in
vision; diarrhea ; difficulty in breathing; hoarseness;
loss of appetite; nausea; trouble in swallowing;
weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical
attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as
your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your
doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are
bothersome:
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Hot flashes, including sudden sweating and
feelings of warmth (especially common during the first 6
months of treatment); increased white vaginal discharge;
joint or muscle pain; mental depression; problems of
stomach or intestines, including passing of gas, upset
stomach, or vomiting; swollen joints; trouble in
sleeping; weight gain (unexplained)
Raloxifene HCI Storage
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Keep out of the reach of children.
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Store away from heat and direct light.
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Do not store in the bathroom, near the
kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may
cause the medicine to break down.
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Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no
longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of
the reach of children.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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