Raloxifene is a SERM, just like its other popular cousin compounds such as Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) and Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate).
Like almost all other SERMs, Raloxifene tends to be well-tolerated by most male users.
Raloxifene side effects are very rare and infrequently reported (both anecdotally and clinically).
Negative Raloxifene side effects and adverse reactions ironically occur most frequently in the very population for which the drug was first indicated: women.
This is because the SERM Raloxifene interacts very intensively and directly primarily with female endocrine physiology, which is centered around estrogen.
Men produce very small amounts of estrogen in their bodies, and even in high-estrogen environments (typically during aromatizing anabolic steroid use) where circulating plasma levels are very high, estrogen is not as critically essential for male physiological function.
FDA Warning Regarding Stroke
The FDA mandates that all Raloxifene products carry a warning label regarding the potential side effect of stroke.
The warning label typically states: “WARNING: INCREASED RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM AND FATAL STROKE”.
Increased risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with Evista use.
Women with active or a history of venous thromboembolism should not take Evista.
In a clinical trial of postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease or at high risk for major coronary events, there was an increased risk of fatal stroke.
Women at risk for stroke should consider the balance of risks and benefits.
The Raloxifene side effects related to stroke risk are primarily a concern for the female patients for whom this drug was initially (and almost exclusively) prescribed.
In fact, this potential Raloxifene side effect is one that is actually present with all SERMs (the same holds true for Nolvadex, Clomid, and Toremifene).
This is a risk inherent to all similarly related compounds, but women may be at higher risk for this Raloxifene side effect than men.
Blood Clots and Stroke
Clinical studies on female patients administered Raloxifene have rarely reported the formation of serious blood clots in the legs, eyes, and lungs, along with leg edema (swelling), leg pain, chest pain, respiratory problems, and vision disturbances [1] [2] [3].
Other Raloxifene Side Effects
Other common Raloxifene side effects (which may or may not include the side effects described above) include headache, malaise, cramps, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and hot flashes.
Rarely occurring Raloxifene side effects include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, decreased platelet count, decreased white blood cell count, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, arterial stenosis, vaginal bleeding, phlebitis, thrombosis, and breast pain.
Most of the Raloxifene side effects listed above generally do not manifest in male users, who constitute almost all anabolic steroid users taking Raloxifene for any reason.
It is important to note that the vast majority of reported and documented side effects are almost exclusively centered on female patients.
Medical References
[1] 355:125-137 July 13, 2006, Effects of Raloxifene on Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, Lori Mosca, Peter Collins, et al., for the Raloxifene Use for The Heart (RUTH) Trial Investigators [Free full text].
[2] Barrett-Connor E, Mosca L, Collins P, et al. (2006-07-13). “Effects of raloxifene on cardiovascular disease and breast cancer in postmenopausal women”. The New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (2): 125–137. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa062462. PMID 16837676.
[3] OncoGenetics.org (September 2009). “Medication Effective at Reducing Breast Cancer Risk But Increases Side Effect Risks”. OncoGenetics.Org. Retrieved 2009-09-14
