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Raloxifene (Evista)
Available:
60 mg tablets
Dose: 60
mg once daily
Cost: 60
mg, 30 tablets = $84.99
Indications:
Prevention and treatment of
post-menopausal osteoporosis
Side
effects: Hot flashes are the most
common side effect. Women who are pregnant or who are not on
adequate birth control have an increased risk of harming the
developing child. While raloxifene may reduce cholesterol
levels and may potentially decrease the risk of breast cancer,
it also may increase the risk of developing blood clots.
Vaginal bleeding may occur in up to 3-5% of post-menopausal
women taking this drug.
Monitoring: Bone
densitometry testing every 1-2 years is recommended.
Important
points to know: This medication should be taken in
place of, not in combination with estrogen preparations.
As above, it does not prevent hot flashes and may in fact
cause them in patients previously not experiencing these
symptoms.
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