Raloxifene Drug Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the brand name of Raloxifene?

Evista

What is the drug class of Raloxifene?

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator

What is the dosing for Raloxifene in postmenopausal osteoporosis?

60 mg po daily

What is the MOA of Raloxifene?

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that activates estrogenic pathways in some tissues and blocks them in others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the renal dose adjustment for Raloxifene?

NONE Signup and view all the answers

Are there pharmacogenetics for Raloxifene?

NONE Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications to Raloxifene?

Hypersensitivity to Raloxifene; pregnancy or lactation; current or history of thromboembolic disorders Signup and view all the answers

What are the boxed warnings for Raloxifene?

Venous thromboembolism, stroke Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions with Raloxifene?

Bile acid sequestrants - Reduced absorption of Raloxifene, avoid. Signup and view all the answers

What are COMMON adverse reactions to Raloxifene?

Hot flashes, arthralgia, flu-like symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What are RARE BUT SERIOUS adverse reactions to Raloxifene?

Edema, hypertriglyceridemia, venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accident, pulmonary embolism Signup and view all the answers

What are the efficacy monitoring parameters for Raloxifene?

DEXA scan (BMD), mammogram, absence of breast cancer Signup and view all the answers

What are the toxicity monitoring parameters for Raloxifene?

Weight gain, shortness of breath, symptoms of stroke, DVT, triglycerides Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Raloxifene Overview

Brand name: Evista
Class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)

Dosing Information

Breast cancer prophylaxis in postmenopausal women at high risk: 60 mg orally daily
Postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention or treatment: 60 mg orally daily

Mechanism of Action

Functions as a SERM by binding estrogen receptors
Agonistic effects in bone tissue, promoting increased bone mineral density (BMD) and decreased bone turnover
Antagonistic effects in other tissues to block estrogenic pathways

Dosage Adjustments and Pharmacogenetics

No renal dosage adjustments needed
No pharmacogenetic considerations identified

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to raloxifene
Pregnancy and lactation
Current or historical thromboembolic disorders

Boxed Warnings

Associated risks of venous thromboembolism
Increased risk of stroke

Drug Interactions

Bile acid sequestrants: can reduce the absorption of raloxifene; use is discouraged

Adverse Reactions

Common: Hot flashes, arthralgia, flu-like symptoms
Rare but Serious: Edema, hypertriglyceridemia, venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accidents, pulmonary embolism

Monitoring Parameters

Efficacy:
- DEXA scan for BMD if used for osteoporosis
- Mammogram for breast cancer prevention
- Monitor for absence of breast cancer when used for prophylaxis
Toxicity:
- Watch for weight gain, shortness of breath, signs of stroke, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and triglyceride levels

Description

This quiz covers raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used for breast cancer prophylaxis and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It includes information on dosing, mechanism of action, contraindications, and drug interactions. Test your knowledge on this important medication and its clinical use.