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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 10/26/2007
  • Updated: 05/03/2012

Raloxifene Hydrochloride

listen 1  (ra-LOK-sih-feen HY-droh-KLOR-ide)

This page contains brief information about raloxifene hydrochloride and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Evista
Keoxifene
FDA Approved: Yes

FDA Approval for Raloxifene Hydrochloride 2

Use in Cancer

Raloxifene hydrochloride is approved to prevent:

Raloxifene hydrochloride is also approved to prevent and treat:

  • Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Raloxifene Hydrochloride

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 3 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Raloxifene Hydrochloride 4 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer 5 - Information about the use of this drug to prevent and treat cancer.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Tool Weighs Benefits, Risks of Raloxifene or Tamoxifen to Prevent Breast Cancer 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Results of the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) Released: Osteoporosis Drug Raloxifene Shown to be as Effective as Tamoxifen in Preventing Invasive Breast Cancer 7 - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Raloxifene 8 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
osteoporosis (OS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sis)
A condition that is marked by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.
postmenopausal (post-MEH-nuh-PAW-zul)
Having to do with the time after menopause. Menopause (“change of life”) is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently.
prevention (pree-VEN-shun)
In medicine, action taken to decrease the chance of getting a disease or condition. For example, cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and radiation exposure) and increasing protective factors (such as getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy diet).

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/720793.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-raloxifene-hydrochloride
3http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=43109
4http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a698007.html
5http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/hormone-therapy-breast
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/prevention-benefit-to
ol0611
7http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/STARresultsApr172006
8http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=43109&idtype=1
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
10http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
11http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
12http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access