Raloxifene for Osteoporosis: Uses, Drug Class, and Common Side Effects Explained

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are at risk for bone loss after menopause, your doctor may have mentioned raloxifene. This prescription medication offers a unique approach to protecting bone health—especially for women who aren’t ready or suited for hormone therapy or stronger antiresorptive medications like bisphosphonates.

In this guide, we’ll break down what raloxifene is used for, its drug class, and the common side effects—so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

What Is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is a prescription medication used primarily to:

• Treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis or at high risk

What is raloxifene used for?

Raloxifene helps increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of spine fractures. It does not reduce the risk of hip fractures.

Raloxifene Drug Class: How It Works

Raloxifene belongs to a drug class called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).

How does it work?

• It mimics estrogen in the bones to help maintain or increase bone density
• It blocks estrogen in breast and uterine tissue, reducing cancer risk in those areas

This dual action makes it especially useful for women looking to protect bone health and reduce breast cancer riskat the same time.

Raloxifene is not a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and doesn’t stimulate breast or uterine tissue like estrogen does.

Who Should Consider Raloxifene?

Raloxifene may be a good option for:

• Postmenopausal women with low bone mass or osteoporosis
• Women who cannot or prefer not to take bisphosphonates
• Those with a family history of breast cancer or elevated risk scores

It is not recommended for:

• Premenopausal women
• Women with a history of blood clots
• People at high risk for stroke

Common Side Effects of Raloxifene

Like all medications, raloxifene can cause side effects. Most are mild, but some are serious and need close monitoring.

Common side effects:

• Hot flashes
• Leg cramps
• Flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain
• Swelling in hands or feet

Rare but serious side effects:

• Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Stroke (especially in women with existing cardiovascular risk)

Always discuss your personal and family medical history with your doctor before starting raloxifene.

Track Your Progress with a DEXA Scan

To monitor the effectiveness of raloxifene for osteoporosis, regular DEXA scans are essential. These scans provide data on:

• Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
• Fracture risk over time
• Whether your medication is maintaining, improving, or losing bone mass

At KALOS, we offer fast, accurate DEXA Scan San Francisco services to help you track your bone health and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

Considering raloxifene or already taking it? A DEXA scan is the best way to measure how well your bones are responding. At KALOS, we’ll give you the data to guide your treatment and protect your bone health for the long run.

Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven bone strength starts now.

‍