Main content

HealthWise KnowledgeBase

Raloxifene

What To Think About

Raloxifene raises your risk of dangerous blood clots. So does bed rest. If you plan to have a surgery followed by bed rest, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of blood clots around the time of surgery.

Do not take raloxifene if you are taking certain medicines, such as cholestyramine, to lower the amounts of cholesterol in your blood, or if you have liver disease.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.

There are not good studies that show whether or not the drug can harm a baby through breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor before taking this drug if you are breast-feeding.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: November 6, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Reference Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine