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What Is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is a prescription selective estrogen receptor modulator, or SERM, used in postmenopausal women. It is approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in specified higher-risk groups. Raloxifene is available as 60 mg oral tablets and is associated with the brand name Evista. It acts like estrogen in some tissues while blocking estrogen activity in others. Raloxifene is not a treatment for an existing breast cancer diagnosis and does not relieve menopausal hot flashes. It carries a boxed warning for venous blood clots and an increased risk of death from stroke in certain women.

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What Is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is a prescription selective estrogen receptor modulator, or SERM, used in postmenopausal women. It is approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in specified higher-risk groups. Raloxifene is available as 60 mg oral tablets and is associated with the brand name Evista. It acts like estrogen in some tissues while blocking estrogen activity in others. Raloxifene is not a treatment for an existing breast cancer diagnosis and does not relieve menopausal hot flashes. It carries a boxed warning for venous blood clots and an increased risk of death from stroke in certain women.

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How Does Raloxifene Work?

Raloxifene binds to estrogen receptors and produces different effects depending on the tissue. In bone, it acts as an estrogen agonist, helping reduce bone resorption and preserve bone mineral density. In breast tissue, it acts primarily as an estrogen antagonist, reducing certain estrogen-related signals involved in the development of hormone-responsive cancers. Raloxifene also has effects on lipid metabolism but is not approved specifically to prevent cardiovascular disease. Its selective activity does not eliminate estrogen-related risks, including an increased likelihood of venous thromboembolism in susceptible patients.

What Conditions Does Raloxifene Treat?

Raloxifene is approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also approved to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and in postmenopausal women at high risk for invasive breast cancer. It is not approved to treat invasive breast cancer, reduce the risk of noninvasive breast cancer, or eliminate breast cancer risk. Raloxifene is not indicated for premenopausal women or men. A healthcare professional evaluates fracture risk, breast cancer risk, blood clot history, and cardiovascular factors before prescribing treatment.

How Should Raloxifene Be Taken?

The recommended raloxifene dose is 60 mg orally once daily, with or without food. It may be taken at any time of day, although taking it consistently can support adherence. Patients should receive adequate calcium and vitamin D according to their dietary intake and medical needs. Raloxifene should be discontinued at least 72 hours before and during prolonged immobilization, such as bed rest following surgery, because immobility increases the risk of blood clots. Patients should resume treatment only when fully mobile as directed. Regular assessment of bone health and breast cancer screening remains important throughout therapy.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Raloxifene?

Common adverse effects include hot flashes, leg cramps, peripheral swelling, and flu-like symptoms. Raloxifene carries boxed warnings for increased venous thromboembolism risk, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and increased risk of death from stroke in certain postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease or elevated cardiovascular risk. It is contraindicated in women with active or previous venous blood clots and should not be used during pregnancy. Sudden leg swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or neurological symptoms requires immediate medical attention. Patients should discuss planned surgery or prolonged immobility with their prescriber.

Common Questions About Raloxifene

Is raloxifene the same as Evista?

Yes. Evista is a brand name for raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator prescribed for certain postmenopausal indications.

Can raloxifene treat osteoporosis?

Yes. Raloxifene is approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Does raloxifene prevent breast cancer?

Raloxifene reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer in specified postmenopausal women, but it does not eliminate the risk or treat existing breast cancer.

Can raloxifene cause blood clots?

Yes. Raloxifene increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and is contraindicated in women with a history of venous thromboembolism.

References

DailyMed - EVISTA (raloxifene hydrochloride) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fcaaa6dc-74e8-4fb8-800c-5574bf0f8de9. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Raloxifene. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698007.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Raloxifene. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Raloxifene. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Raloxifene. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544233/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548475/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.