Raloxifene Question

Posted by linh @linh, Apr 20, 2023

Background: I am on Raloxifene (Evista) and like it but my Endocrinologist wants me to change to a anabolic bone building therapy (Tymlos, Forteo, Evenity) because both my CTX and bone alkaline phosphatase labs indicated I am still losing bone. This doctor also offered Reclast or Prolia as alternatives. The doctor said I'd have to discontinue Raloxifene, which I don't care to do.

My question: Can any of the above medication (or others) be taken in conjunction with Raloxifene? Does anyone take such a combo therapy? I saw online a dated JMM study "Combination Therapy of Raloxifene and Alendronate ... ") done in 2017. Additionally, Drugs.com found no drug interactions between Raloxifene and Prolia. Any information greatly appreciated.

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ChristyJ | @christyj | Apr 21, 2023

Hi, I’m on Raloxifene and may need to go on Reclast or Prolia. Both my oncologist ( I’m taking Raloxifene to reduce breast cancer risk and for the modest bone benefit) and my endocrinologist both said I would not have to stop Raloxifene because the treatment mechanisms are different.

linh | @linh | Apr 21, 2023

In reply to @christyj "Hi, I’m on Raloxifene and may need to go on Reclast or Prolia. Both my oncologist..." + (show)

Thank you Christy for your information. Raloxifene was also recommended to me for reducing breast cancer risk (but my Internist was only comfortable prescribing it for osteoporosis). That is why I don't wish to go off of it for a few more years. My situation isn't textbook however, because my parathyroid lab level is hovering over normal value. I will now call their Cancer Center Patient Library and ask to have my Endocrinologist's position fact checked. Thank you again.

ChristyJ | @christyj | Apr 21, 2023

You're welcome and good luck!

My endocrinologist did say that if I had been prescribed Raloxifene strictly for the bone benefit, he would have recommended I stop it before Reclast but since it was prescribed for another reason, he sees no reason to stop it. My next DEXA isn't until July so I haven't crossed the bridge on whether I'll add another med.