What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

a history of blood clots

cancer

heart failure

liver disease

premenopausal

an unusual or allergic reaction to raloxifene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The tablets can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

ampicillin

cholestyramine

colestipol

diazepam

diazoxide

female hormones like hormone replacement therapy

lidocaine

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking this medicine. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
Exercise may help to prevent bone loss. Discuss your exercise needs with your doctor or health care professional.
This medicine can rarely cause blood clots. You should avoid long periods of bed rest while taking this medicine. If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine. This medicine should be stopped at least 3 days before surgery. After surgery, it should be restarted only after you are walking again. It should not be restarted while you still need long periods of bed rest.
You should not smoke while taking this medicine. Smoking may also increase your risk of blood clots. Smoking can also decrease the effects of this medicine.
This medicine does not prevent hot flashes. It may cause hot flashes in some patients at the start of therapy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

change in vision

chest pain

difficulty breathing

leg pain or swelling

skin rash, itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

fluid build-up

leg cramps

stomach pain

sweating

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.