Raloxifene — NZ Medication Guide
📋 Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ — This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
What is Raloxifene?
Raloxifene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer risk reduction. This medication is funded by Pharmac under Special Authority for osteoporosis when bisphosphonates are not suitable.
What is Raloxifene Used For?
Used for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (vertebral fracture reduction) and for reducing invasive breast cancer risk in high-risk postmenopausal women.
How Does Raloxifene Work?
Acts as an oestrogen agonist in bone and liver (beneficial bone and lipid effects) but as an oestrogen antagonist in the uterus and breast (reducing endometrial stimulation and breast cancer risk) — allowing targeted benefits without oestrogenic stimulation of breast or uterus.
How to Take Raloxifene
60 mg once daily with or without food. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended alongside raloxifene.
Common Side Effects of Raloxifene
- Hot flushes (may worsen vasomotor symptoms)
- Leg cramps
- Peripheral oedema
- Headache
Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Venous thromboembolism (increased VTE risk — DVT, PE — avoid in patients with previous VTE; discontinue before prolonged immobility)
- Stroke risk (modest increase — particularly in high CVD-risk women)
Drug Interactions
Raloxifene may interact with other medicines. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking. Key interactions include:
- Warfarin (modest reduction in anticoagulant effect — monitor INR)
- Cholestyramine (reduces raloxifene absorption — take 2 hours apart)
New Zealand Prescribing Information
Raloxifene (Evista® 60 mg tablets) is funded by Pharmac under Special Authority for postmenopausal osteoporosis when bisphosphonates are contraindicated or not tolerated. Its breast cancer risk-reduction benefit makes it particularly attractive in women at elevated breast cancer risk. It does not relieve — and may worsen — hot flushes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does raloxifene prevent breast cancer?
The MORE and RUTH trials showed raloxifene reduces invasive oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer risk by approximately 44–55% in postmenopausal women. This risk-reduction benefit is recognised alongside its use for osteoporosis.
Will raloxifene help my hot flushes?
No — it does not relieve vasomotor symptoms and may worsen them. For hot flushes, oestrogen-based HRT remains the most effective treatment.
References & Further Information
The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page:
- New Zealand Formulary — Raloxifene
- Pharmac — Funded Medicines Schedule
- BPAC NZ — Osteoporosis Management
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified health provider. In New Zealand, medication availability and funding may vary — check with Pharmac or your pharmacist for current information.
Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ