Although raloxifene, the generic name for the brand-name medication, Evista, is FDA-approved for the prevention of osteoporosis, the FDA has not approved raloxifene yet for the prevention of invasive breast cancer in post-menopausal women.[1] A recent clinical trial on prevention of breast cancer in post-menopausal women showed that raloxifene appears to cause fewer serious side effects than does tamoxifen (the generic name for the brand-name medication, Nolvadex):[1, 2]
• Raloxofene treatment resulted in a 36% lower risk of the side effect of uterine cancer in women who had not had a hysterectomy than did tamoxifen treatment. Previous studies on raloxifene have not demonstrated an increase in cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
• Raloxifene treatment resulted in nearly 30% less life-threatening blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli) in major vessels than did tamoxifen treatment.
• Raloxifene treatment resulted in 21% fewer cataracts and 18% fewer cataract surgeries than did tamoxifen treatment.
A similar incidence of coronary disease and bone fractures was observed in post-menopausal women treated with Raloxifene or tamoxifen in the clinical trial.[2]
Also, women in clinical trials who took Raloxifene or tamoxifen experienced hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or vaginal irritation.[3] Fewer hot flashes, problems with vaginal discharge, bladder complaints, other gynecologic side effects, and leg cramps occurred in women receiving raloxifene than those who received tamoxifen.
However, more side effects on bones and muscles, more incidence of pain during sexual intercourse, and a higher incidence of weight gain was observed in the raloxifene group, compared to the tamoxifen group in the STAR trial.[3]
REFERENCES
1. National Cancer Institute. STAR results: Raloxifene as effective as tamoxifen, better safety profile. NCI Cancer Bulletin. 2006; 3(16):1-2. Accessed at www.cancer.gov.
2. T. H. Maugh II. Drug lowers cancer risk, side effects. Los Angeles Times. 04/18/06.
3. Mayo Clinic. Chemoprevention: Drugs that can reduce breast cancer risk. 06/05/06. Accessed at www.mayoclinic.com.
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