Leflunomide

PATIENT INFORMATION ON
RALOXIFENE
(Brand name: Evista)
This information sheet has been produced by the Australian Rheumatology Association causes bones to become fragile and brittle so to help you understand the medicine that that they break (fracture) more easily even has been prescribed for you. It includes as a result of normal activity (as distinct  how you should take your medicine
restrict a person’s ability to carry out their the possible side effects
 other precautions you should take
Once you have a fracture, the risk of another while taking raloxifene.
is high. Raloxifene is prescribed for women who have already had a fracture, in order to Please read it carefully and discuss it with
How does it work?
Important things to remember
Bone is constantly changing, with old bone  While taking raloxifene you should see your doctor to make sure the treatment is to take its place. This usually happens in a unbalanced, bone breaks down faster than it  If you are worried about any side effects is replaced. This leads to osteoporosis. Raloxifene is a medicine that slows or stops the bone breaking down. As a result, bone strength increases and the risk of fracture is For more information about
OSTEOPOROSIS see the Osteoporosis
Australia website
What benefit can you expect from
Osteoporosis Australia on 1800 242 141.
your treatment?
Since osteoporosis doesn’t usually have any What is raloxifene?
symptoms such as pain, you will not ‘feel’ any immediate benefit from your treatment medicine used to treat osteoporosis. It is prescribed only for women as it works on Tests of urine or blood are also sometimes used to measure the effects of treatment on bone formation and breakdown. Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au
Revised September 2010 – next review July 2011
How is raloxifene taken?
A reduction in dose or change to another medicine may minimise the side effects so What is the dosage and when should it
that you can continue to have treatment for be taken?
Raloxifene comes in 60mg tablets. The dose Most common possible side effects
is one tablet every day. It can be taken with or without food at any time. To help you remember to take raloxifene, hot flushes – these are more common during the first 6 months after starting take it at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same  joint pain  sweating Can other medicines be taken with
raloxifene?
 difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is safe to take most other medicines when Less common or rare possible side effects
you are taking raloxifene (see Precautions on
 Blood clot in a vein is rare. Contact your you take calcium and possibly vitamin D as pain or swelling in your legs or a sudden shortness of breath. Because of this risk your doctor may advise you to stop Raloxifene should not however be taken
such as bisphosphonates, e.g. alendronate (Fosamax, Alendro, Fosamax Plus) or sachet as it will list all the cautions and possible side effects. How long is the treatment continued?
For osteoporosis, treatment with raloxifene What precautions are necessary?
is usually given for a number of years. Your doctor will review your progress each year. Blood tests
Once you have had one fracture your chance  Monitoring blood tests are not usually of having another one is quite high so it is although in certain situations these may unless your doctor advises you to stop it. Liver disease
Are there any side effects?
 Raloxifene may not be recommended if experience side effects. Below are some side effects that you might experience with your treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects. Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au
Revised September 2010 – next review July 2011
Other medicines
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
 You should tell your doctor (including your general practitioner, rheumatologist  Raloxifene has not been shown to cause increase the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus. However, tell your doctor if  Raloxifene should not be taken with
 Raloxifene has been shown to reduce the  You should not take cholestyramine or How to store raloxifene
 Store raloxifene in a cool, dry place, Questions?
Your doctor’s contact details
If you have any questions or concerns write them If you are taking raloxifene you should see treatment is working and to minimise any The information in this sheet has been obtained from various sources and has been reviewed by the Australian Rheumatology Association. It is intended as an educational aid and does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medicines mentioned. This information is not intended as medical advice for individual problems nor for making an individual assessment of the risks and benefits of taking a particular medicine. It can be reproduced in its entirety but cannot be altered without permission from the ARA. The NHMRC publication: How to present the evidence for consumers: preparation of consumer publications (2000) was used as a guide in Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au
Revised September 2010 – next review July 2011

Source: http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/images/stories/documents/info_sheets/raloxifene_050910.pdf