answersLogoWhite

0

What is raloxifene?

User Avatar

GaleEncyofMedicine

Lvl 1
14y ago
Updated: 8/19/2019

best known of these anti-estrogens is raloxifene, which mimics the effects of estrogen in the bones and blood, but blocks some of its negative effects elsewhere

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the purpose of Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is taken as a supplement by women as an attempt to prevent osteoporosis. It is also used by doctors to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in both male and female populations.


where to buy raloxifene in uk?

buy Evista Raloxifene UK in small dosage strength. You can gradually increase the dosages. Take the medicine with water. If possible take it on an empty stomach for faster assimilation of the medicine into the bloodstream. Do not break or crush the tablet.


Why do some women prefer to take raloxifene instead of hormone replacement?

the new drug does not boost the breast cancer risk and does not have side effects like uterine bleeding, bloating, or breast soreness. Unfortunately, the drug may worsen hot flashes. Raloxifene is basically a treatment to prevent osteoporosis


What drugs inhibit the breakdown of bone?

Bisphosphonates are the primary class of drugs that inhibit the breakdown of bone. They work by binding to the bone mineral matrix and preventing osteoclasts from breaking down bone tissue. Other medications, such as denosumab (a monoclonal antibody) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene, also have similar effects on bone breakdown. These drugs are commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.


Are there drugs that women can take to prevent or lessen the effects of osteoporosis?

There are drugs in which women can take to prevent or lessen the effects of osteoporosis. A drug of this type is fosomax, which helps you to harden the bones and prevent the calcium to stop producing as frequently. It also helps with the process of strengthening your bone density.


What is dong quai?

A perennial aromatic herb (Angelica sinensis) native to China and Japan, yielding a root that is used medicinally for gynecological disorders such as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms.Note:Dong quai is not recommended for children because no information relating to appropriate doses of the herb for children has been found in the literature to date. Dong quai should not be used by those who have chronic diarrhea or abdominal bloating. At particularly high doses it may increase an individual's sensitivity to sunlight and subsequently cause skin inflammation and rashes. People taking dong quai should minimize their exposure to sunlight or use sunscreen while taking the herb. It should not be taken with other medications or herbs (such as St. John's wort) that cause the same reactions.Dong quai should not be used during pregnancy because it may affect the muscular functioning of the uterus. It should also be avoided by nursing mothers, because there is little information about its effect on the infant through breast milk.Dong quai can increase the potency and therefore potential risks of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, so it should not be taken with these medicines. Although there is little research on the use of dong quai with hormone medications such as estrogens, progesterones, oral contraceptives, tamoxifen or raloxifene, health practitioners advise against using them together due to the possibility of adverse effects.Although reported extremely rarely and not published in the scientific literature, combining dong quai with other herbs that thin the blood could possibly increase the risk of bleeding in some people. When combined with dong quai, herbs with this potential should be used only with tremendous caution and supervision. These include feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, asian ginseng, licorice, chinese skullcap and turmeric.


Preventative Strategies and Medical Treatments for Osteoporosis?

Modern studies show that upwards of one in four people will break a bone at some point in their life due to osteoporosis. This disease not only weakens the bones and increases the chance of fractures, it can also lead to discomfort and a number of other serious medical conditions. For those that are struggling with osteoporosis or know someone that is, here is a closer glimpse at how this disease affects the body and some of the most effective and advanced treatment options that are available today. Symptoms of Osteoporosis This is a disease that is often considered to be silent due to the fact that many people do not know they have it until they break a bone. Even those that seek out regular checkups may not discover that they have osteoporosis unless specific tests and x-rays are given. Without these tests, some of the few symptoms could include a loss of height, back pains, chronic aching around joints, and a curvature of the spine. Reducing One's Risk As with all diseases, preventing osteoporosis is much more effective than treating the disease itself. Those that are at the highest risk include women, the elderly, smokers, those that drink excessively, and even individuals of certain descent such as Hispanics and those with Asian ancestry. While osteoporosis will also be affected by genetics, treating other medical issues such as kidney failure, disease of the thyroid glands, and rheumatoid arthritis will reduce one's risks. Leading Treatment Options When it comes to medical treatments, the bisphosphonates class of medication is the most popular that are currently prescribed worldwide. Examples of this kind of medication include alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid. While this class of medication can be extremely effective, it can also lead to a number of common side effects such as nausea and difficulty swallowing. Outside of medications, hormone-related therapy is another common option and one that could help reduce the chances of both men and women developing a number of medical issues. Within women, both estrogen and raloxifene can maintain one's bone density and the side effects typically include hot flashes or blood clots. For men, osteoporosis can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy, but most doctors suggest the use of testosterone as a last resort due to fewer studies on its side effects.


What are the symptom of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common type of metabolic bone disease in which bones become thinner and weaker as a part of aging. If it is left untreated, bones will become extremely fragile and some of them will be likely to break or fracture. Symptoms occur late in the disease and they are: Loss of height as a result of weakened spines. A person may find that his/her clothes are no longer fitting and their pants looking longer. Patients may loose as much as 6 inches in height. Other symptoms are: - Cramps in the legs at night - Bone pain and tenderness - Neck pain, discomfort in the neck other than from injury or trauma - Persistent pain in the spine or muscles of the lower back - Abdominal pain - Tooth loss - Rib pain - Broken bones - Spinal deformities become evident like stooped posture, an outward curve at the top of the spine as a result of developing a vertebral collapse on the back. - Fatigue - Periodontal disease - Brittle fingernails These symptoms may also indicate other health problems like arthritis or tendonitis. Early detection and intervention are important in osteoporosis to slow the disease. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with procedures like a complete medical and family history, bone density test, blood tests, spine X-ray and spine CT. There are a number of medications and treatments that may help to increase bone density. Estrogen replacement therapy, Alendronate, Raloxifene and Calcitonin are some of them. However, the best treatment is prevention. Many people with osteoporosis are diagnosed after experiencing pain associated with cracks or breaks in bones due to weakening from the loss of bone mass. This often occurs in the back, where vertebrae are easily fractured when weakened.


The Best Treatments and Exercises for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis causes peoples' bones to become weaker and more brittle, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can affect most bones in the body, particular the hips, wrist and back vertebrae. Both men and women can get osteoporosis. However, white and Asian women are more prone to the condition, particularly after menopause. Doctors usually recommend diets rich in calcium and vitamin D for people with this condition: Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. Physicians may also recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements as well. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe bisphosphonates like alendronate, risedronate and zoledrenic acid, according to WebMD.com. Bisphosphonates help people increase bone density. Another option physicians may take is prescribing raloxifene, which slows the process of bone thinning. Other drugs include calcitonin and denosumab. Calcitonin helps regulate the calcium levels in the body. Denosumab is often prescribed for older people to prevent fractures. Exercise is also highly recommended for people with osteoporosis. Individuals can build both bone and muscle strength with exercise. Stronger muscles provide better support for surrounding bones, making them less prone to fractures. There are many types of exercises people can perform for osteoporosis. The key is doing resistance exercises that force the muscles and bones to become stronger. One such exercise is walking. Most doctors recommend that people with osteoporosis walk 3 to 5 miles per week minimum. Walking builds strength in bones and muscles of the lower legs and thighs. Dancing is another activity that can build leg strength. Osteoporosis sufferers may also walk up and down stairs to build up strength in their legs, buttocks and lower back--all of which support bones in adjacent areas. There many other exercises osteoporosis sufferers can perform to build strength in muscles and bones. Weightlifting is highly recommended under a doctor's supervision. It is advisable to start out with light weights. Heavier weights may exacerbate an individual's condition. People with osteoporosis should make sure they work all muscles in the body, including shoulders, arms, back and legs. People with osteoporosis in the back may lie on the floor and pull both knees to the chest to build lower back strength. Pressing the back to the floor is another lower back strength-building exercise.


How to Describe the Field of Osteochondropathy?

Osteochondropathy or osteopathy is the study of bones and bone density. The field determines solutions for bone fractures and increased bone density. Frequent bone diseases are characterized by the following symptoms:•Bone degradation•Small fractures•Loss of height•Lower back pain•Bone Tenderness•Poor posture or a hump in the back•Neck pain due to small fracturesOsteopathic diseases may be diagnosed by administering a bone density analysis. Bone mineral density testing can be measured by a Densitiometry or a DEXA scan. Computed Tomography (CT) scans also measures bone mineral density. The aforementioned tests are predictive indicators of the future bone fractures. Often, bone diseases are caused by instances other than aging. In this case, individuals may be required to give blood or urine samples for a proper diagnosis.Once the patient is diagnosed, the physicians must find treatments to stop or slow the loss of bone density. Physicians also desire to control any pain associated with the bone disease. Currently, medications exist to alleviate these symptoms. Exercise is also recommended to slow or stop bone loss and prevent fractures. Some of the medications, diets and exercise recommended regimens are listed below:CalcitoninCalcitonin is administered via inhalation or intravenously. The medication slows bone loss and alleviates associated pain. Calcitonin is the least effective treatment available.BisphosphonatesBisphosphonates are the most effective treatments and most widely recommended drugs in the field of osteopathy. The drug may be administered orally or intravenously. Common medications include Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax.Hormone Replacement TherapyHistorically, women were prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogen to prevent osteoporosis. Physicians have cited risks with using this approach. Estrogen is typically only prescribed by a physician in the event that other solutions are not effective.Parathyroid HormoneParathyroid hormones are prescribed for patients who are considered high risk for fractures. Teriparatide is a type of parathyroid hormone often prescribed by patients. The medication is administered through daily shots underneath the skin.RaloxifeneExperts have proven that raloxifene can improve the risk of spine fractures by nearly 50 percent. The drug may cause deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.ExerciseExperts recommend exercise to increase bone density. Resistance exercises and weight bearing exercises are essential in maintaining bone strength. Patients may participate in free weight use, walking, jogging, dancing or tennis to increase bone density. Balance exercises such as Tai Chi or Yoga are also beneficial as well.DietVitamin D is an important component of the diet. This vitamin helps the patient absorb calcium that is necessary for building strong bones. Protein is also an essential component of maintaining bone strength. Recommended foods include:CheeseSalmonSpinachIce CreamYogurtTofuLow-fat Milk


Why does your ear get red?

One reason for our ears to turn red is that at times our sympathetic nervous system kicks in on its own and causes our bodies to release adrenalin and noradrenalin. Noradrenalin is the chemical responsible for relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels. When the smooth muscle in the blood vessels relaxes the diameter of the vessel increases and the volume of blood passing through the blood vessel also increases. This is referred to as vasodilatation. When this happens the skin feels warm and may have a pink or red colour.This usually happens when we feel nervous or stressed and is part of the "fight or flight" mechanism, even though the only "threat" may be social. However, in some people the sympathetic nervous sytem is overactive. This can be caused by inherited genes. We have no conscious control over the sympathetic nervous system so it kicks in without our decision to be "embarassed."The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the control system for the body that keeps all our internal organs functioning properly. These maintenance activities are primarily performed without conscious control or sensation, The nerves report directly back to the brain stem and can keep functioning even when the conscious mind is no longer working, hence the ability of some brain-dead patients to continue to breathe. The ANS controls heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils, micturition (the discharge of urine), blushing, sweating, and erection.Uncontrollable blushing is also called Idiopathic Craniofacial Erythema. Treatments include anti-anxiety medications, clonidine (inhibits the action of noradrenaline), beta-blockers, hypnosis, psychotherapy, and as a last resort, surgery.Sweating is also controlled by the ANS and the cause of hyperhidrosis has been traced to overactivity in the sympathetic component, as opposed to the parasympathetic component, of the ANS.There are other causes of flushing and sweating. Some people sweat excessively because they are obese or they may be suffering from an overactive thyroid gland. Menopause is another obvious cause of both flushing and sweating. Flushing and sweating can also be prominent physical symptoms associated with the mental health condition known as social phobia. Flushing is almost never due to a serious medical condition with one notable exception, which is the rare condition known as carcinoid syndrome.Medication may also give rise to flushing. The list of possible culprits includes various hormonal treatments for prostate cancer; gylceryl trinitrate, which is used in the treatment of angina; tamoxifen, which is used in the treatment of breast cancer; raloxifene, which is used for treating osteoporosis; calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure and chlorpropamide, which is used for treating diabetes and can cause flushing if the person takes alcohol concurrently.


Osteoporosis?

DefinitionOsteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.Alternative NamesThin bonesCauses, incidence, and risk factorsOsteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease.Researchers estimate that about 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. About half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine).Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, your body uses these minerals to produce bones. If you do not get enough calcium, or if your body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.As you age, calcium and phosphate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. This can result in brittle, fragile bones that are more prone to fractures, even without injury.Usually, the loss occurs gradually over years. Many times, a person will have a fracture before becoming aware that the disease is present. By the time a fracture occurs, the disease is in its advanced stages and damage is severe.The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Women over age 50 and men over age 70 have a higher risk for osteoporosis.Other causes include:Being confined to a bedChronic rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, eating disordersTaking corticosteroid medications (prednisone, methylprednisolone) every day for more than 3 months, or taking some antiseizure drugsHyperparathyroidismWhite women, especially those with a family history of osteoporosis, have a greater than average risk of developing osteoporosis. Other risk factors include:Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) for long periods of timeDrinking a large amount of alcoholFamily history of osteoporosisHistory of hormone treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancerLow body weightSmokingToo little calcium in the dietSymptomsThere are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:Bone pain or tendernessFractures with little or no traumaLoss of height (as much as 6 inches) over timeLow back pain due to fractures of the spinal bonesNeck pain due to fractures of the spinal bonesStooped posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager's hump"Signs and testsBone mineral density testing (specifically a densitometry or DEXA scan) measures how much bone you have. Your health care provider uses this test to predict your risk for bone fractures in the future. For information about when testing should be done, see bone density test.A special type of spine CT that can show loss of bone mineral density, quantitative computed tomography (QCT), may be used in rare cases.In severe cases, a spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or collapse of the spinal bones. However, simple x-rays of bones are not very accurate in predicting whether someone is likely to have osteoporosis.You may need other blood and urine tests if your osteoporosis is thought to be due to a medical condition, rather than simply the usual bone loss seen with older age.TreatmentThe goals of osteoporosis treatment are to:Control pain from the diseaseSlow down or stop bone lossPrevent bone fractures with medicines that strengthen boneMinimize the risk of falls that might cause fracturesThere are several different treatments for osteoporosis, including lifestyle changes and a variety of medications.Medications are used to strengthen bones when:Osteoporosis has been diagnosed by a bone density study.Osteopenia (thin bones, but not osteoporosis) has been diagnosed by a bone density study, if a bone fracture has occurred.BISPHOSPHONATESBisphosphonates are the primary drugs used to both prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.Bisphosphonates taken by mouth include alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel). Most are taken by mouth, usually once a week or once a month.Bisphosphonates given through a vein (intravenously) are taken less often.CALCITONINCalcitonin is a medicine that slows the rate of bone loss and relieves bone pain. It comes as a nasal spray or injection. The main side effects are nasal irritation from the spray form and nausea from the injectable form.Calcitonin appears to be less effective than bisphosphonates.HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPYEstrogens or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is rarely used anymore to prevent osteoporosis and are not approved to treat a woman who has already been diagnosed with the condition.Sometimes, if estrogen has helped a woman, and she cannot take other options for preventing or treating osteoporosis, the doctor may recommend that she continue using hormone therapy. If you are considering taking hormone therapy to prevent osteoporosis, discuss the risks with your doctor.PARATHYROID HORMONETeriparatide (Forteo) is approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women who have severe osteoporosis and are considered at high risk for fractures. The medicine is given through daily shots underneath the skin. You can give yourself the shots at home.RALOXIFENERaloxifene (Evista) is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Raloxifene is similar to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Raloxifene can reduce the risk of spinal fractures by almost 50%. However, it does not appear to prevent other fractures, including those in the hip. It may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer, though more studies are needed.The most serious side effect of raloxifene is a very small risk of blood clots in the leg veins (deep venous thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).EXERCISERegular exercise can reduce the likelihood of bone fractures in people with osteoporosis. Some of the recommended exercises include:Weight-bearing exercises -- walking, jogging, playing tennis, dancingResistance exercises -- free weights, weight machines, stretch bandsBalance exercises -- tai chi, yogaRiding a stationary bicycleUsing rowing machinesAvoid any exercise that presents a risk of falling, or high-impact exercises that may cause fractures.DIETGet at least 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium and 800 - 1,000 international units of vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.Your doctor may recommend a supplement to give you the calcium and vitamin D you need.Follow a diet that provides the proper amount of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. While this will not completely stop bone loss, it will guarantee that a supply of the materials the body uses to form and maintain bones is available.High-calcium foods include:CheeseIce creamLeafy green vegetables, such as spinach and collard greensLow-fat milkSalmonSardines (with the bones)TofuYogurtSTOP UNHEALTHY HABITSQuit smoking, if you smoke. Also limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can damage your bones, as well as put you at risk for falling and breaking a bone.PREVENT FALLSIt is critical to prevent falls. Avoid sedating medications and remove household hazards to reduce the risk of fractures. Make sure your vision is good. Other ways to prevent falling include:Avoiding walking alone on icy daysUsing bars in the bathtub, when neededWearing well-fitting shoesMONITORINGYour response to treatment can be monitored with a series of bone mineral density measurements taken every 1 - 2 years.Women taking estrogen should have routine mammograms, pelvic exams, and Pap smears.RELATED SURGERIESThere are no surgeries for treating osteoporosis itself. However, a procedure called vertebroplasty can be used to treat any small fractures in your spinal column due to osteoporosis. It can also help prevent weak vertebrae from becoming fractured by strengthening the bones in your spinal column.The procedure involves injecting a fast-hardening glue into the areas that are fractured or weak. A similar procedure, called kyphoplasty, uses balloons to widen the spaces that need the glue. (The balloons are removed during the procedure.)Expectations (prognosis)Medications to treat osteoporosis can help prevent fractures, but vertebrae that have already collapsed cannot be reversed.Some persons with osteoporosis become severely disabled as a result of weakened bones. Hip fractures leave about half of patients unable to walk independently. This is one of the major reasons people are admitted to nursing homes.Although osteoporosis is debilitating, it does not affect life expectancy.ComplicationsCompression fractures of the spineDisability caused by severely weakened bonesHip and wrist fracturesLoss of ability to walk due to hip fracturesCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoporosis or if you wish to be screened for the condition.PreventionCalcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.Other tips for prevention:Avoid drinking excess alcoholDon't smokeGet regular exerciseA number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.ReferencesCranney A, Papaioannou A, Zytaruk N, et al., Clinical Guidelines Committee of Osteoporosis Canada. Parathyroid hormone for the treatment of osteoporosis: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2006 4;175(1):52-59.Gass M, Dawson-Hughes B. Preventing osteoporosis-related fractures: an overview. Am J Med. 2006;119:S3-S11.Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women: July 2008 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2008;15(4):584-602.Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2006;13(3):340-367.National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Accessed July 23, 2008. Available online at http://www.nof.org/professionals/Clinicians_Guide.htm