Estradiol/raloxifene

Estradiol/raloxifene is a combination medication that includes estradiol, a form of estrogen, and raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This combination is used in the treatment of certain conditions in postmenopausal women.

Estradiol

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. It is primarily used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and osteoporosis. Estradiol is also used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer.

Raloxifene

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that acts on estrogen receptors in various tissues in the body. It is used primarily to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene can also reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or who are at risk for invasive breast cancer.

Combination Use

The combination of estradiol and raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The estradiol component helps to reduce menopausal symptoms, while the raloxifene component helps to protect against the risk of invasive breast cancer.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of estradiol/raloxifene include hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating. More serious side effects can include blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer.

See Also

• Estrogen
• Selective estrogen receptor modulator
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Osteoporosis
• Breast cancer