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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking raloxifene (Evista)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to raloxifene, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had a blood clot.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have:

• coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);
• heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a history of stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke");
• high triglycerides (often occurs with high cholesterol);
• if you have not gone through menopause; or
• if you have had breast cancer in the past.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take raloxifene.

FDA pregnancy category X. Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, raloxifene can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether raloxifene passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take raloxifene (Evista)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Raloxifene can be taken with or without food.

You may take raloxifene at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.

If your raloxifene tablets are packaged on blister cards, take the medication as follows:

• Each blister card contains 15 tablets labeled with a different day of the week. The first tablet you use should be labeled with the day of the week your doctor has instructed you to start taking raloxifene.
• If you have refilled your prescription and are starting a new blister pack, take the tablet that is labeled one day after you took your last dose.
• Keep taking the medication one tablet per day, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
• Try to take the medication at the same time each day.
• The tablet in the center of the blister card should be the last tablet you take before starting a new card.

If you need to have any type of surgery or will be on bed rest, you will need to stop taking raloxifene for at least 72 hours before your surgery or before you plan to be immobile. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking raloxifene.

Raloxifene is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, calcium or vitamin D supplements, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store raloxifene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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