- Raloxifene: It is a relatively newer drug which has been approved for prevention as well as treatment of Osteoporosis.
- Raloxifene decreases resorption (shedding) of bone, decreases the bone turnover and increases bone mineral density.
- It mimics estrogen’s beneficial effects without the risk of cancer of uterus (endometrial carcinoma) or uterine bleeding.
- Risk of breast cancer is also less with Raloxifene significantly.
- It also decreases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
- The usual daily dose of Raloxifene is 60 mg.
- Raloxifene acts by binding to estrogen receptors and belongs to the class- selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
- It should not be used in females with history of thrombembolism or before menopause (because of its potential harmful effect on foetus).