Raloxifene is a medication classified as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It is primarily used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Additionally, it is indicated 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 works by mimicking the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone density without affecting the breast or uterine tissues in the same way, thus differing from traditional hormone replacement therapy (FDA label, DrugBank).
Raloxifene does not eliminate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes because its estrogenic effects are selective, mainly targeting bone tissue. Its half-life is approximately 32 hours, which contributes to its once-daily dosing regimen. The medication is taken orally and can be consumed with or without food. As a prescription medication, its use must be initiated and monitored by a healthcare professional.
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Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
* Cochrane Library
* DrugBank
* EMA SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics)
* Examine.com
* FDA label (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
* Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
* Mayo Clinic
* MedlinePlus
* National Cancer Institute
* NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine)
* NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
* NIH ODS (National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements)
* PubChem
* ClinicalTrials.gov
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
