raloxifene

noun

ral·​ox·​i·​fene ˌra-ˈläk-sə-ˌfēn How to pronounce raloxifene (audio)
: a drug used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C28H27NO4S·HCl as prophylaxis against osteoporosis after menopause

Examples of raloxifene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This differs from a SERM like raloxifene which helps prevent bone loss. Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2023 In a study comparing raloxifene and tamoxifen in patients over seven years (five years of taking the medication and two years of follow-up), researchers found that raloxifene can reduce risk of invasive breast cancer by about 38%. Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2023 Some patients taking anastrozole and raloxifene experience joint stiffness, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or bone thinning. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Nov. 2023 The two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prevention, tamoxifen and raloxifene, reduce estrogen in different ways but offer the same kind of protection. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Nov. 2023 In particular, two drugs—called tamoxifen and raloxifene—can block estrogen in the breast cells, lowering the risk of developing breast cancer by about 40%, according to the American Cancer Society. Maria Masters, Health.com, 17 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'raloxifene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ral- (of unknown origin) + -oxifene, alteration of -oxifen (as in tamoxifen)

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raloxifene was in 1993

Dictionary Entries Near raloxifene

Cite this Entry

“Raloxifene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raloxifene. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

raloxifene

noun
ral·​ox·​i·​fene ˌral-ˈäk-sə-ˌfēn How to pronounce raloxifene (audio)
: a drug used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C28H27NO4S·HCl to prevent and treat osteoporosis after menopause and to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer

Note: Raloxifene binds to the estrogen receptors of cells and is in a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators. It is marketed under the trademark Evista.

Drugs like raloxifene target estrogen receptors to preserve bone mass.Claudia Kalb, Newsweek
raloxifene operates as an estrogen agonist in bone but as an antagonist in the breast and uterus.Gideon A. Rodan et al., Science
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