Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets
Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets, USP is indicated for the reduction in risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk of invasive breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
The effect in the reduction in the incidence of breast cancer was shown in a study of postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer with a 5-year planned duration with a median follow-up of 4.3 years [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Twenty-seven percent of the participants received drug for 5 years. The long-term effects and the recommended length of treatment are not known.
High risk of breast cancer is defined as at least one breast biopsy showing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia, one or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer, or a 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer ≥1.66% (based on the modified Gail model). Among the factors included in the modified Gail model are the following: current age, number of first-degree relatives with breast cancer, number of breast biopsies, age at menarche, nulliparity or age of first live birth. Currently, no single clinical finding or test result can quantify risk of breast cancer with certainty.
After an assessment of the risk of developing breast cancer, the decision regarding therapy with Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets, USP should be based upon an individual assessment of the benefits and risks.
Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets, USP does not eliminate the risk of
breast cancer. Patients should have breast exams and mammograms before
starting Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets, USP and should continue
regular breast exams and mammograms in keeping with good medical
practice after beginning treatment with Raloxifene Hydrochloride
Tablets, USP.
For either osteoporosis treatment or prevention, supplemental calcium
and/or vitamin D should be added to the diet if daily intake is
inadequate. Postmenopausal women require an average of 1500 mg/day of
elemental calcium. Total daily intake of calcium above 1500 mg has not
demonstrated additional bone benefits while daily intake above 2000 mg
has been associated with increased risk of adverse effects, including
hypercalcemia and kidney stones. The recommended intake of vitamin D is
400 to 800 IU daily. Patients at increased risk for vitamin D
insufficiency (e.g., over the age of 70 years, nursing home bound, or
chronically ill) may need additional vitamin D supplements. Patients
with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes may require higher doses
of vitamin D supplementation and measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D
should be considered.
In clinical trials, raloxifene-treated women had an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). Other venous thromboembolic events also could occur. A less serious event, superficial thrombophlebitis, also has been reported more frequently with raloxifene than with placebo. The greatest risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurs during the first 4 months of treatment, and the magnitude of risk appears to be similar to the reported risk associated with use of hormone therapy. Because immobilization increases the risk for venous thromboembolic events independent of therapy, raloxifene should be discontinued at least 72 hours prior to and during prolonged immobilization (e.g., post-surgical recovery, prolonged bed rest), and raloxifene therapy should be resumed only after the patient is fully ambulatory. In addition, women taking raloxifene should be advised to move about periodically during prolonged travel. The risk-benefit balance should be considered in women at risk of thromboembolic disease for other reasons, such as congestive heart failure, superficial thrombophlebitis, and active malignancy [see Contraindications (4.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
