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Can Raloxifene Reduce The Risk Of Osteoporosis And Breast Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 6 Jul 2015

Question: I have been on alendronate for many years( around 10-15 year) and my dentist ask if I had ever taken a break from the medication. I also take Raloxifene and my OB Gyn doctor is the one who prescribed both. He was rude and said you don't have to take any of the medicines I prescribe. He said he didn't see any problem but if I wanted to come off both for 6 months I could. I am preostopenia and am 66 years old and went through menopause about 10 years ago. I don't know exactly the reason I am taking raloxifene but I think to prevent breast cancer??? should I stop the one for my bones and stay on the other one?
Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No harm in continuing Raloxifene

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Raloxifene is helpful in reducing the risk of both osteoporosis and breast cancer.
There's no harm in continuing it and if you want to stop one of them, maybe you could stop the alendronate.
Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (46 minutes later)

Thank you very much. How long should I stop the alendronate or should I wait until I have another bone density scan. I was getting them every couple years but my obgyn dr suggested we wait about 3 years to see if there was any changes. is it ok to continue my vitamin D if I stop the alendronate.

I also take a tums daily for my bones

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
BMD may be repeated 1 year later

Detailed Answer:
If you have your latest BMD scan, please upload it. If not and if it was reported normal, you need to repeat it a year after stopping the alendronate.
You should test your blood vitamin D and calcium . If you are not getting sufficient sunlight, you would require vitamin D supplement most probably. However you are probably aware that excess vitamin D is harmful.
You can continue to take a tums daily.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (12 hours later)

Thank you very much. Should I stay off the alendronate for 6 months or 1 year. l I will continue the calcium and tums.

my bone density test was not normal. Had started some problem around my hip bones but wasn't major problem.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
If you have a copy of the scan or the result, please upload it and I would be able to tell you whether you are at any risk.
Wish you all the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (57 minutes later)

I don't have a copy of the scan. should I take a 6 months or 1 year break from the alendronate? thank you for previous answers. Very healthful.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Better after 6 months if any abnormality was present

Detailed Answer:
If you were told of any abnormality, it would be better to repeat it after 6 months. If not after an year is sufficient.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (6 minutes later)

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
It was a pleasure interacting with you.
I hope it has helped you.
It would be a pleasure to interact with you in the future, should the need arise.
Wish you good health and a great day.
Regards,
Dr Noble Zachariah

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar