Raloxifene is prescribed to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also prescribed to prevent invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or who are at a high risk of developing the condition.

Osteoporosis is a very common disease in which bones become weak and brittle. As bones lose density, it becomes increasingly easy for them to break or fracture. Osteoporosis can also lead to a loss in height, posture problems, and chronic pain.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, osteoporosis affects nearly 54 million Americans. Both women and men can be affected by this osteoporosis, but women are four times as likely to contract the disease as men. Women who are past menopause have the highest risk of developing this disease.

Raloxifene belongs to a classification of medication known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). These drugs work by both mimicking and blocking estrogen’s action on certain cells in the body. This helps increase the density of bones and blocks estrogen’s effect on breast tissue (decreasing the chances of cancer cells developing).

Raloxifene cannot be used to prevent invasive breast cancer in women who have been previously diagnosed with the condition, nor should it be used by women who have not yet undergone menopause. Raloxifene works to prevent invasive breast cancer cells and cannot be used to prevent non-invasive breast cancer cells.

Raloxifene has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking raloxifine include:

• Hot flashes
  
• Sweating
  
• Joint pain
  
• Insomnia symptoms
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, chest pain, fainting, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with raloxifene. Raloxifene can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Raloxifene is commonly administered as an oral tablet. This medication can be taken with or without meals. For all conditions, the preliminary dose of raloxifene starts at 60 mg to be taken once daily.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of raloxifene without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Raloxifene is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not raloxifene is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for raloxifene to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.