Raloxifene (marketed as Evista®) is used in the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. In 2006, initial results of the Raloxifene Use for The Heart (RUTH) clinical trial showed that raloxifene reduced the risk of developing invasive estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer by 55%, although it did not protect women against non-invasive or ER- negative break cancer. The initial results also showed no effect on heart disease and demonstrated an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. In September 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of raloxifene for reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and in post-menopausal women at high risk for invasive breast cancer.

In a recent report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers reported trial results confirming that raloxifene reduces the risk of invasive ER-positive breast cancer during long-term use, regardless of baseline risk factors such as age, body mass, history of hormone replacement therapy, and family history of breast cancer. The reduction in risk was also found to be independent of smoking, alcohol use, and prior hysterectomy. According to the researchers, the preventative effect of raloxifene was observed within 2 years of starting the medication.

This report suggests that raloxifene might be a good choice for osteoporosis prevention in post-menopausal women who have no history of blood clots or stroke. However, discuss the benefits and risks of raloxifene treatment with your health care provider before starting any new medications.