Raloxifene
Raloxifene is used in post-menopausal women who are at high risk of invasive breast cancer or have osteoporosis in order to reduce their risk. Studies are being done to test its usefulness of breast cancer prevention in certain pre-menopausaual women.1
Raloxifene binds to estrogenA steroid sex hormone. Estrogen's structure is closely related to cholesterol. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen has effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Estrogen is also a growth factor for some types of cells, including breast cells. Inhibitors of estrogen function such as tamoxifen and arimidex are used to block the growth effects of estrogen. See also, estrogen receptor. receptors, thereby blocking some estrogenic pathways and activating others. Raloxifene works by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, which can stop the growth of cancer that feeds off estrogen.1
The diagram above shows the 3D molecular structure of Raloxifene.
Common side effects include hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, sweating.1
Women who have or have had blood clots in the legs, lung, or eyes should not take EVISTA®, as this treatment has the possibility of leading to blood clots or death by stroke.1
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