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Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Raloxifene (Evista) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Unlike estrogen, the SERM raloxifene is not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and reduces invasive breast cancer.

• How SERMs work: SERMs have been specifically tailored to provide the particular estrogen effects. Raloxifene is a SERM that preserves bone density but is not associated with estrogen risk factors such as uterine or breast cancer.



• Who should not use these medications:  Persons with the following conditions should not use SERMS:
  
  
  • Allergy to SERMs
  
  
  
  • Pregnancy
  
  
  
  • Breastfeeding
  
  
  
  • Active or past history of venous thrombosis (blood clots in veins)
     
• Use: SERMS are taken orally as a tablet every day for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.



• Drug or food interactions: Cholestyramine (Questran, Cholybar) decreases raloxifene blood concentrations. The time of administration of each drug should be as far apart as possible.



• Side effects: These drugs may cause hot flushes and blood clots at a risk comparable to that of estrogen. Raloxifene should be discontinued 3 days before surgery and throughout the recovery period following surgery. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
  
  
  • Chest pain
  
  
  
  • Trouble breathing
  
  
  
  • Coughing up blood
  
  
  
  • Pain, swelling, or redness in your leg, particularly if below the knee
  
  
  
  • Severe headache
  
  
  
  • Blurred vision or vision changes