raloxifene

drug

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Raloxifene is an oral drug used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is classified as a selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM) and acts as an antiestrogen.12

While estrogen is beneficial for maintaining bone strength, it can also promote cell growth in the breast and uterus, potentially increasing cancer risk. Raloxifene, like tamoxifen, mimics estrogen's beneficial effects in tissues such as bone, while blocking its harmful effects in the breast and uterus.2

Raloxifene can also lower total and LDL cholesterol. However, potential adverse effects include hot flashes, leg cramps, and an increased risk of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.2

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antiestrogen
(SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, produce estrogen action in those tissues (e.g., bone, brain, liver) where that action is beneficial and have either no effect or an antagonistic effect in tissues, such as the breast and uterus, where estrogen action may be harmful. Tamoxifen is used in the prevention…
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(SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, produce estrogen action in those tissues (e.g., bone, brain, liver) where that action is beneficial and have either no effect or an antagonistic effect in tissues, such as the breast and uterus, where estrogen action may be harmful. Tamoxifen is used in the prevention…
Read More

breast cancer
Prevention
…taking certain medications—namely aromatase inhibitors, raloxifene, or tamoxifen—to reduce their risk. Women who are at extreme risk, as determined by a very strong family history or the presence of mutated BRCA genes, may opt for preventive mastectomy.
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…taking certain medications—namely aromatase inhibitors, raloxifene, or tamoxifen—to reduce their risk. Women who are at extreme risk, as determined by a very strong family history or the presence of mutated BRCA genes, may opt for preventive mastectomy.
Read More