Due to its mechanism of action, Raloxifene is only available as a treatment option for women who have experienced menopause. It is prescribed exclusively to women who have suffered a fracture as a result of osteoporosis and are at an increased risk of sustaining another fracture. This medication is likely to be considered only if you have previously attempted one of the more standard drug therapies, or if alternative treatments are not appropriate for your condition.
Raloxifene is classified as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which is a category of medication.
What does raloxifene do and how does it work?
Raloxifene uk can assist in strengthening your bones and lowering the likelihood of fractures, especially in the spinal region.
Bones consist of living tissue. The interior of our bones is continuously undergoing a process of breakdown and reconstruction by specialized bone cells. Provided this process remains balanced, your bones will remain healthy and robust.
However, if this process becomes unbalanced, our bodies may begin to deplete more bone than they generate. This imbalance can lead to weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures.
During a woman’s menopause, there is a reduction in the levels of the female sex hormone estrogen. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength, so a decline in estrogen levels results in weaker bones.
Raloxifene is not estrogen; however, it functions similarly to estrogen within your bones. This can help to slow down the deterioration of bone and contribute to maintaining bone strength.
While taking raloxifene, it is still possible to sustain a fracture. If this occurs, it does not necessarily indicate that the medication is ineffective. No drug can prevent all fractures, but the use of raloxifene significantly reduces their likelihood.
It is important to note that raloxifene is not a pain-relieving medication, and therefore, it will not alleviate the pain associated with broken bones. Nevertheless, there are alternative treatments and methods available for pain management.
Who can take raloxifene?
Raloxifene tablets could be an appropriate choice if you have experienced menopause and have previously sustained a fracture due to osteoporosis. Typically, it will only be considered if you have already attempted a conventional medication for your bone health, or if alternative medications are not appropriate for your situation.
When is raloxifene not suitable to take?
Raloxifene is not appropriate for individuals who:
There are additional circumstances in which raloxifene might not be appropriate. It is essential for your physician to review your individual risks and advantages with you, in order to determine whether raloxifene uk is the most suitable treatment option for you.
For instance, Raloxifene may not be the most appropriate treatment choice if:
No connection between raloxifene and a higher risk of breast or womb cancer
Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that include oestrogen are associated with a slight elevation in the risk of breast or endometrial (womb lining) cancer.
Raloxifene, however, is not classified as HRT and does not contain oestrogen. It functions similarly to oestrogen within your bones, yet it does not adversely affect breast or womb tissue.
Consequently, the use of raloxifene will not heighten your risk of developing breast or endometrial cancer. In fact, raloxifene may assist in reducing the risk of specific types of breast cancer that are stimulated by oestrogen.
Nonetheless, raloxifene will not be a viable option if you currently have, or may potentially have, breast or endometrial cancer. This is due to the uncertainty regarding the safety of taking raloxifene during treatment for these cancer types.
How should I take raloxifene?
You are required to take one tablet (60mg) daily. Swallow the tablet whole, accompanied by a glass of water. It can be taken at any time throughout the day, regardless of whether you have eaten or not.
If you miss a tablet
If you happen to miss a tablet from time to time, it is unlikely to have a long-term impact on your bone health. However, it is advisable to avoid this whenever possible. If you frequently forget to take your medication, consult your doctor. They might be able to recommend a more appropriate medication.
How will my treatment be monitored?
You will not require regular appointments while undergoing treatment with raloxifene. Your physician likely will not need to see you again unless you request an appointment to discuss your medication or overall bone health.
Please consult a doctor or pharmacist if you encounter any issues with your treatment. They may offer suggestions to help manage any side effects. Additionally, you should reach out to them if you are having difficulty taking your tablets consistently.
If you sustain a fracture while on raloxifene, consult your general practitioner. A fracture does not necessarily indicate that your treatment is ineffective. However, it may be prudent to undergo a bone health assessment.
In contrast to some other osteoporosis medications, there is no maximum duration for which you can continue taking raloxifene. It is typical to remain on it for several years. Nevertheless, you should still undergo a formal treatment review after approximately five years.
During this review, your doctor will evaluate whether you still require medication and if raloxifene remains the appropriate treatment for you. You may undergo a bone density scan, which will provide your doctor with information regarding your bone strength. However, they will also need to take into account other factors, such as whether you have experienced any fractures since beginning treatment with raloxifene.
While it is impossible to definitively prove that your treatment is effective, research has indicated that raloxifene does reduce the risk of fractures, particularly in the spine.
Following your evaluation, your physician may recommend that you:
Your physician can provide guidance on the most suitable option for you, taking into account your individual circumstances.
Side effects?
It is crucial to keep in mind that, generally speaking, side effects are less frequent than what many individuals believe. The majority of those taking raloxifene do not experience any issues. Even if you encounter side effects initially, they typically improve swiftly, and there are methods to address them.
For a comprehensive list of potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet that accompanies your tablets. If you do not possess a copy, please request one from your doctor or pharmacist.
It is essential to recognize that many of these issues are not actually attributable to the medication. During the initial testing of a drug, participants must report any unusual occurrences to the researchers. The issues they report are often just as prevalent among individuals who are not using the medication.
Ready to take decision about treatment
Like any treatment, raloxifene has its pros and cons. It is essential to weigh these factors when determining whether to proceed with raloxifene, as well as to reflect on what matters most to you. Below are some key points to take into account.
Advantages
Disadvantages
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