InfoSynergy
Calcium
Adequate calcium intake supports bone mineralization while raloxifene reduces bone resorption.
Recommendation: Use diet first when possible; supplement only enough to meet recommended intake and avoid excessive calcium.
Raloxifene
Prescription ·Strong evidence ·Reviewed May 2026
Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used in postmenopausal women for osteoporosis treatment or prevention and for reduction of invasive breast cancer risk in selected high-risk groups. It improves spine bone density and lowers vertebral fracture risk but increases venous thromboembolism risk and carries a boxed warning for increased risk of venous thromboembolism and death from stroke in women with coronary heart disease or high coronary risk.
What it's good for
The bottom line
Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, reduced vertebral fracture risk. 3 sources indexed (1999–2026), with 4 interaction records on file.
The science
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Raloxifene acts as an estrogen receptor agonist in bone and lipid metabolism while acting as an antagonist in breast and uterine tissue. In bone, it decreases osteoclast-mediated resorption and turnover, preserving bone mineral density. Its hepatic and coagulation effects contribute to reduced LDL cholesterol but also increased venous thromboembolism risk.2,1
Class
Selective estrogen receptor modulator
Dosing
Dosing & protocol.
Common range
Postmenopausal women: 60 mg orally once daily, with or without food. Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake when dietary intake is insufficient.
Recommended form
Oral tablet once daily
May be taken with or without food. Avoid use during prolonged immobilization and follow label guidance around surgery or immobilization because of clot risk.
Safety
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Hot flashes
- Leg cramps
- Peripheral edema
- Flu-like symptoms
- Arthralgia
- Venous thromboembolism
- Retinal vein thrombosis
- Stroke death risk in high-risk women
- Gallbladder disease rarely
Contraindications
- Active or past venous thromboembolism including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or retinal vein thrombosis3,1
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to raloxifene1,2
- Use caution in women with stroke risk, coronary heart disease, prolonged immobilization, or severe hepatic impairment1,2
Interactions
Interaction records.
InfoSynergy
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D sufficiency improves calcium absorption and supports raloxifene-based osteoporosis care.
Recommendation: Correct deficiency and maintain adequate intake; monitor levels when deficiency risk is high.
InfoSynergy
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is sometimes used for bone matrix protein carboxylation and may overlap with bone-health goals.
Recommendation: Use as adjunctive nutrition support only; it does not offset raloxifene clot or stroke risk.
ModerateTiming Sensitive
Psyllium Husk
Large doses of soluble fiber can reduce or delay absorption of some oral drugs and may make raloxifene exposure less predictable.
Recommendation: Separate psyllium from raloxifene by at least 2 hours if both are used daily.
Sources
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Randomized controlled trials
2- 1Effects of raloxifene on cardiovascular events and breast cancer in postmenopausal womenNeeds reviewNo linkBarrett-Connor E et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2006
RUTH trial clarified benefit and vascular risk tradeoffs in women with coronary disease or risk factors.
- 2Reduction of vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with raloxifeneNeeds reviewNo linkEttinger B et al. · JAMA · 1999
MORE trial data support vertebral fracture reduction and bone density effects.
Reference material
1- 3Raloxifene Hydrochloride Tablets US Prescribing InformationNeeds reviewURLU.S. National Library of Medicine · DailyMed · 2026
Labeling describes 60 mg daily dosing, osteoporosis and breast cancer risk indications, VTE contraindication, and boxed warning.
Keep exploring
Deep dives & adjacent profiles.
This page is educational. Do not start, stop, or change a supplement or medication based on it without checking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Use this with your stack
Raloxifene in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.