Aloxif Tablets

tablet is used to treat and prevent bone thinning (osteoporosis) in women who have gone through menopause. It also helps lower the risk of a certain type of breast cancer in these women. It contains raloxifene as an active ingredient.

It works by acting like estrogen in some parts of the body, such as the bones, but not in others, like the uterus or breast. This medication should not be used by women who could still become pregnant or by those with liver or severe kidney problems. It should also be avoided if you have or had blood clots (like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), unexplained vaginal bleeding, or signs of womb cancer.

Individuals with these conditions should consult their doctor before using this medication. Some common side effects include hot flashes, leg cramps, flu-like symptoms, and swelling in the legs or ankles (known as peripheral oedema). There is a small increased risk of blood clots associated with raloxifene, particularly during the first few months of use.

Rare side effects include changes in liver function and gallbladder issues. Headaches and mild breast symptoms, such as tenderness, may also occur. This medication can be taken safely with most common medications, including painkillers, antibiotics, allergy medications, and antacids.

However, it should not be taken with cholestyramine, which is used to lower cholesterol, as this can reduce the effectiveness of raloxifene. Blood thinners, such as warfarin, may require closer monitoring when taken with tablet. Overall, tablet is a good option for postmenopausal women who need protection against osteoporosis or breast cancer, but it is important to discuss your full medical history with your doctor.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any side effects or unusual symptoms.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose of this medicine may lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, flushing, loss of coordination, severe leg cramps, tremors and vomiting. Seek immediate medical care in case of an overdose of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of tablet, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Raloxifene acts like estrogen and decreases bone loss and thinning of bones in women after menopause, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. It reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer and uterine cancer by blocking estrogen in breast and uterine tissues.

Directions for Use

• tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• It should be taken with or after a meal to reduce its side effects.
• It is best to take it at a fixed time for optimal results, and you should not consume it more than prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take tablet during pregnancy?

Do not take this medicine during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Generally, it is advised for postmenopausal women.

Breast Feeding

Can I take tablet while breastfeeding?

It is unsafe to take this medicine while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed tablet?

Usually, it does not affect your ability to drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with tablet?

No information is available on interactions of tablet when taken with alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are immobilised for some time, such as using a wheelchair, needing to be admitted to a hospital or having to stay in bed while recovering from an operation or an unexpected illness, as these may increase your risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or retinal vein thrombosis).
• You have had a cerebrovascular accident (e.g. stroke).
• You have liver disease or are suffering from breast cancer.
• You are receiving oral oestrogen therapy.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to raloxifene or any other ingredients of tablet.
• If you have a history of blood clots in your legs, lungs or eyes or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• If you are suffering from severe kidney or liver disease.
• If there is a possibility of getting pregnant.
• If you have signs or symptoms of womb (endometrial) cancer.

Side effects

• Hot flashes
• High blood pressure
• Headache, joint pain, leg cramps, swelling of hands, feet and legs
• Nausea, stomach upset, vomiting
• Mild breast symptoms like pain, enlargement and tenderness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Raloxifene can be taken safely with common medications, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, antibiotics, allergy medications, and anxiety medications. You can also take antacids, such as calcium- or magnesium-containing ones, without affecting how raloxifene works. If you are taking warfarin or other blood thinners, raloxifene may slightly reduce their effectiveness, so your doctor may need to check your blood clotting time. Do not take raloxifene with cholestyramine, as it may reduce the absorption of raloxifene. Taking digoxin or ampicillin with raloxifene may slightly change raloxifene levels, but this usually doesn’t require any changes to your treatment. You can use vaginal estrogen products if needed while taking raloxifene.

Storage and disposal

• Store tablet in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?

Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, notify your doctor of all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.

What special precautions should I follow?

If you are travelling while taking this medicine, try to avoid sitting in one place for a long time to prevent the risk of clotting.