Raloxifene hydrochloride

The chemical designation is methanone, [6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thien-3-yl]-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-, hydrochloride. Raloxifene hydrochloride (HCl) has the empirical formula C₂₈H₂₇NO₄S•HCl, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 510.05. Raloxifene HCl is an off-white to pale-yellow solid that is very slightly soluble in water.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is supplied in a tablet dosage form for oral administration. Each raloxifene hydrochloride tablet contains 60 mg of raloxifene HCl, which is the molar equivalent of 55.71 mg of free base. Inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Raloxifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, commonly referred to as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The biological actions of raloxifene are largely mediated through binding to estrogen receptors. This binding results in activation of estrogenic pathways in some tissues (agonism) and blockade of estrogenic pathways in others (antagonism). The agonistic or antagonistic action of raloxifene depends on the extent of recruitment of coactivators and corepressors to estrogen receptor (ER) target gene promoters.

Raloxifene appears to act as an estrogen agonist in bone. It decreases bone resorption and bone turnover, increases bone mineral density (BMD) and decreases fracture incidence. Preclinical data demonstrate that raloxifene is an estrogen antagonist in uterine and breast tissues. These results are consistent with findings in clinical trials, which suggest that raloxifene hydrochloride lacks estrogen-like effects on the uterus and breast tissue.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Decreases in estrogen levels after oophorectomy or menopause lead to increases in bone resorption and accelerated bone loss. Bone is initially lost rapidly because the compensatory increase in bone formation is inadequate to offset resorptive losses. In addition to loss of estrogen, this imbalance between resorption and formation may be due to age-related impairment of osteoblasts or their precursors. In some women, these changes will eventually lead to decreased bone mass, osteoporosis, and increased risk for fractures, particularly of the spine, hip, and wrist. Vertebral fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women.

In both the osteoporosis treatment and prevention trials, raloxifene hydrochloride therapy resulted in consistent, statistically significant suppression of bone resorption and bone formation, as reflected by changes in serum and urine markers of bone turnover (e.g., bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen breakdown products). The suppression of bone turnover markers was evident by 3 months and persisted throughout the 36-month and 24-month observation periods.

In a 31-week, open-label, radiocalcium kinetics study, 33 early postmenopausal women were randomized to treatment with once-daily raloxifene hydrochloride 60 mg, cyclic estrogen/progestin (0.625 mg conjugated estrogens daily with 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate daily for the first 2 weeks of each month [hormone therapy]), or no treatment. Treatment with either raloxifene hydrochloride or hormone therapy was associated with reduced bone resorption and a positive shift in calcium balance (-82 mg Ca/day and +60 mg Ca/day, respectively, for raloxifene hydrochloride and -162 mg Ca/day and +91 mg Ca/day, respectively, for hormone therapy).

There were small decreases in serum total calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, and albumin, which were generally of lesser magnitude than decreases observed during estrogen or hormone therapy. Platelet count was also decreased slightly and was not different from estrogen therapy.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The disposition of raloxifene has been evaluated in more than 3000 postmenopausal women in selected raloxifene osteoporosis treatment and prevention clinical trials, using a population approach. Pharmacokinetic data also were obtained in conventional pharmacology studies in 292 postmenopausal women. Raloxifene exhibits high within-subject variability (approximately 30% coefficient of variation) of most pharmacokinetic parameters. Table 3 summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters of raloxifene.

Absorption — Raloxifene is absorbed rapidly after oral administration. Approximately 60% of an oral dose is absorbed, but presystemic glucuronide conjugation is extensive. Absolute bioavailability of raloxifene is 2%. The time to reach average maximum plasma concentration and bioavailability are functions of systemic interconversion and enterohepatic cycling of raloxifene and its glucuronide metabolites.

Administration of raloxifene HCl with a standardized, high-fat meal increases the absorption of raloxifene (C_max 28% and AUC 16%), but does not lead to clinically meaningful changes in systemic exposure. Raloxifene hydrochloride can be administered without regard to meals.

Distribution — Following oral administration of single doses ranging from 30 to 150 mg of raloxifene HCl, the apparent volume of distribution is 2348 L/kg and is not dose dependent.

Raloxifene and the monoglucuronide conjugates are highly (95%) bound to plasma proteins. Raloxifene binds to both albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein, but not to sex-steroid binding globulin.

Metabolism — Biotransformation and disposition of raloxifene in humans have been determined following oral administration of ¹⁴C-labeled raloxifene. Raloxifene undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to the glucuronide conjugates: raloxifene-4′-glucuronide, raloxifene-6-glucuronide, and raloxifene-6, 4′-diglucuronide. No other metabolites have been detected, providing strong evidence that raloxifene is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 pathways. Unconjugated raloxifene comprises less than 1% of the total radiolabeled material in plasma. The terminal log-linear portions of the plasma concentration curves for raloxifene and the glucuronides are generally parallel. This is consistent with interconversion of raloxifene and the glucuronide metabolites.

Following intravenous administration, raloxifene is cleared at a rate approximating hepatic blood flow. Apparent oral clearance is 44.1 L/kg•hr. Raloxifene and its glucuronide conjugates are interconverted by reversible systemic metabolism and enterohepatic cycling, thereby prolonging its plasma elimination half-life to 27.7 hours after oral dosing.

Results from single oral doses of raloxifene predict multiple-dose pharmacokinetics. Following chronic dosing, clearance ranges from 40 to 60 L/kg•hr. Increasing doses of raloxifene HCl (ranging from 30 to 150 mg) result in slightly less than a proportional increase in the area under the plasma time concentration curve (AUC).

Excretion — Raloxifene is primarily excreted in feces, and less than 0.2% is excreted unchanged in urine. Less than 6% of the raloxifene dose is eliminated in urine as glucuronide conjugates.

Special Populations

Pediatric — The pharmacokinetics of raloxifene has not been evaluated in a pediatric population [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Geriatric — No differences in raloxifene pharmacokinetics were detected with regard to age (range 42 to 84 years) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Gender — Total extent of exposure and oral clearance, normalized for lean body weight, are not significantly different between age-matched female and male volunteers.

Race — Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have been studied in 1712 women, including 97.5% White, 1.0% Asian, 0.7% Hispanic, and 0.5% Black in the osteoporosis treatment trial and in 1053 women, including 93.5% White, 4.3% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian, and 0.5% Black in the osteoporosis prevention trials. There were no discernible differences in raloxifene plasma concentrations among these groups; however, the influence of race cannot be conclusively determined.

Renal Impairment — In the osteoporosis treatment and prevention trials, raloxifene concentrations in women with mild renal impairment are similar to women with normal creatinine clearance. When a single dose of 120 mg raloxifene HCl was administered to 10 renally impaired males [7 moderate impairment (CrCl = 31–50 mL/min); 3 severe impairment (CrCl ≤30 mL/min)] and to 10 healthy males (CrCl >80 mL/min), plasma raloxifene concentrations were 122% (AUC_0-∞) higher in renally impaired patients than those of healthy volunteers. Raloxifene should be used with caution in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Hepatic Impairment — The disposition of raloxifene was compared in 9 patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ranging from 0.6 to 2 mg/dL) to 8 subjects with normal hepatic function following a single dose of 60 mg raloxifene HCl. Apparent clearance of raloxifene was reduced 56% and the half-life of raloxifene was not altered in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Plasma raloxifene concentrations were approximately 150% higher than those in healthy volunteers and correlated with total bilirubin concentrations. The pharmacokinetics of raloxifene has not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Raloxifene should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Drug Interactions

Cholestyramine — Cholestyramine, an anion exchange resin, causes a 60% reduction in the absorption and enterohepatic cycling of raloxifene after a single dose. Although not specifically studied, it is anticipated that other anion exchange resins would have a similar effect [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Warfarin — In vitro, raloxifene did not interact with the binding of warfarin. The concomitant administration of raloxifene hydrochloride and warfarin, a coumarin derivative, has been assessed in a single-dose study. In this study, raloxifene had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. However, a 10% decrease in prothrombin time was observed in the single-dose study. In the osteoporosis treatment trial, there were no clinically relevant effects of warfarin co-administration on plasma concentrations of raloxifene [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Other Highly Protein-Bound Drugs — In the osteoporosis treatment trial, there were no clinically relevant effects of co-administration of other highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., gemfibrozil) on plasma concentrations of raloxifene. In vitro, raloxifene did not interact with the binding of phenytoin, tamoxifen, or warfarin (see above) [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Ampicillin and Amoxicillin — Peak concentrations of raloxifene and the overall extent of absorption are reduced 28% and 14%, respectively, with co-administration of ampicillin. These reductions are consistent with decreased enterohepatic cycling associated with antibiotic reduction of enteric bacteria. However, the systemic exposure and the elimination rate of raloxifene were not affected. In the osteoporosis treatment trial, co-administration of amoxicillin had no discernible differences in plasma raloxifene concentrations [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].

Antacids — Concomitant administration of calcium carbonate or aluminum and magnesium hydroxide-containing antacids does not affect the systemic exposure of raloxifene [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].

Corticosteroids — The chronic administration of raloxifene in postmenopausal women has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone given as a single oral dose [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].

Digoxin — Raloxifene has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].

Cyclosporine — Concomitant administration of raloxifene hydrochloride with cyclosporine has not been studied.

Lipid-Lowering Agents — Concomitant administration of raloxifene hydrochloride with lipid-lowering agents has not been studied.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis — In a 21-month carcinogenicity study in mice, there was an increased incidence of ovarian tumors in female animals given 9 to 242 mg/kg, which included benign and malignant tumors of granulosa/theca cell origin and benign tumors of epithelial cell origin. Systemic exposure (AUC) of raloxifene in this group was 0.3 to 34 times that in postmenopausal women administered a 60 mg dose. There was also an increased incidence of testicular interstitial cell tumors and prostatic adenomas and adenocarcinomas in male mice given 41 or 210 mg/kg (4.7 or 24 times the AUC in humans) and prostatic leiomyoblastoma in male mice given 210 mg/kg.

In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, an increased incidence in ovarian tumors of granulosa/theca cell origin was observed in female rats given 279 mg/kg (approximately 400 times the AUC in humans). The female rodents in these studies were treated during their reproductive lives when their ovaries were functional and responsive to hormonal stimulation.

Mutagenesis — Raloxifene HCl was not genotoxic in any of the following test systems: the Ames test for bacterial mutagenesis with and without metabolic activation, the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rat hepatocytes, the mouse lymphoma assay for mammalian cell mutation, the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the in vivo sister chromatid exchange assay in Chinese hamsters, and the in vivo micronucleus test in mice.

Impairment of Fertility — When male and female rats were given daily doses ≥5 mg/kg (≥0.8 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²) prior to and during mating, no pregnancies occurred. In male rats, daily doses up to 100 mg/kg (16 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²) for at least 2 weeks did not affect sperm production or quality or reproductive performance. In female rats, at doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day (0.02 to 1.6 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²), raloxifene disrupted estrous cycles and inhibited ovulation. These effects of raloxifene were reversible. In another study in rats in which raloxifene was given during the preimplantation period at doses ≥0.1 mg/kg (≥0.02 times the human dose based on surface area, mg/m²), raloxifene delayed and disrupted embryo implantation, resulting in prolonged gestation and reduced litter size. The reproductive and developmental effects observed in animals are consistent with the estrogen receptor activity of raloxifene.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

The skeletal effects of raloxifene treatment were assessed in ovariectomized rats and monkeys. In rats, raloxifene prevented increased bone resorption and bone loss after ovariectomy. There were positive effects of raloxifene on bone strength, but the effects varied with time. Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with raloxifene or conjugated estrogens for 2 years. In terms of bone cycles, this is equivalent to approximately 6 years in humans. Raloxifene and estrogen suppressed bone turnover and increased BMD in the lumbar spine and in the central cancellous bone of the proximal tibia. In this animal model, there was a positive correlation between vertebral compressive breaking force and BMD of the lumbar spine.

Histologic examination of bone from rats and monkeys treated with raloxifene showed no evidence of woven bone, marrow fibrosis, or mineralization defects.

These results are consistent with data from human studies of radiocalcium kinetics and markers of bone metabolism, and are consistent with the action of raloxifene hydrochloride as a skeletal antiresorptive agent.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1 Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Effect on Fracture Incidence

The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride on fracture incidence and BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were examined at 3 years in a large randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational osteoporosis treatment trial (MORE). All vertebral fractures were diagnosed radiographically; some of these fractures also were associated with symptoms (i.e., clinical fractures). The study population consisted of 7705 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis as defined by: a) low BMD (vertebral or hip BMD at least 2.5 standard deviations below the mean value for healthy young women) without baseline vertebral fractures or b) one or more baseline vertebral fractures. Women enrolled in this study had a median age of 67 years (range 31 to 80) and a median time since menopause of 19 years.

Effect on Bone Mineral Density

Raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, increased spine and hip BMD by 2 to 3%. Raloxifene hydrochloride decreased the incidence of the first vertebral fracture from 4.3% for placebo to 1.9% for raloxifene hydrochloride (relative risk reduction = 55%) and subsequent vertebral fractures from 20.2% for placebo to 14.1% for raloxifene hydrochloride (relative risk reduction = 30%) (see Table 4). All women in the study received calcium (500 mg/day) and vitamin D (400 to 600 IU/day). Raloxifene hydrochloride reduced the incidence of vertebral fractures whether or not patients had a vertebral fracture upon study entry. The decrease in incidence of vertebral fracture was greater than could be accounted for by increase in BMD alone.

The mean percentage change in BMD from baseline for raloxifene hydrochloride was statistically significantly greater than for placebo at each skeletal site (see Table 5).

Discontinuation from the study was required when excessive bone loss or multiple incident vertebral fractures occurred. Such discontinuation was statistically significantly more frequent in the placebo group (3.7%) than in the raloxifene hydrochloride group (1.1%).

Bone Histology

Bone biopsies for qualitative and quantitative histomorphometry were obtained at baseline and after 2 years of treatment. There were 56 paired biopsies evaluable for all indices. In raloxifene hydrochloride-treated patients, there were statistically significant decreases in bone formation rate per tissue volume, consistent with a reduction in bone turnover. Normal bone quality was maintained; specifically, there was no evidence of osteomalacia, marrow fibrosis, cellular toxicity, or woven bone after 2 years of treatment.

Effect on Endometrium

Endometrial thickness was evaluated annually in a subset of the study population (1781 patients) for 3 years. Placebo-treated women had a 0.27 mm mean decrease from baseline in endometrial thickness over 3 years, whereas the raloxifene hydrochloride-treated women had a 0.06 mm mean increase. Patients in the osteoporosis treatment study were not screened at baseline or excluded for pre-existing endometrial or uterine disease. This study was not specifically designed to detect endometrial polyps. Over the 36 months of the study, clinically or histologically benign endometrial polyps were reported in 17 of 1999 placebo-treated women, 37 of 1948 raloxifene hydrochloride-treated women, and in 31 of 2010 women treated with raloxifene HCl 120 mg/day. There was no difference between raloxifene hydrochloride- and placebo-treated women in the incidences of endometrial carcinoma, vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.

14.2 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride on BMD in postmenopausal women were examined in three randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind osteoporosis prevention trials: (1) a North American trial enrolled 544 women; (2) a European trial, 601 women; and (3) an international trial, 619 women who had undergone hysterectomy. In these trials, all women received calcium supplementation (400 to 600 mg/day). Women enrolled in these trials had a median age of 54 years and a median time since menopause of 5 years (less than 1 year up to 15 years postmenopause). The majority of the women were White (93.5%). Women were included if they had spine BMD between 2.5 standard deviations below and 2 standard deviations above the mean value for healthy young women. The mean T scores (number of standard deviations above or below the mean in healthy young women) for the three trials ranged from -1.01 to -0.74 for spine BMD and included women both with normal and low BMD. Raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, produced increases in bone mass versus calcium supplementation alone, as reflected by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometric (DXA) measurements of hip, spine, and total body BMD.

Effect on Bone Mineral Density

Compared with placebo, the increases in BMD for each of the three studies were statistically significant at 12 months and were maintained at 24 months (see Table 6). The placebo groups lost approximately 1% of BMD over 24 months.

Raloxifene hydrochloride also increased BMD compared with placebo in the total body by 1.3% to 2.0% and in Ward's Triangle (hip) by 3.1% to 4.0%. The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride on forearm BMD were inconsistent between studies. In Study EU, raloxifene hydrochloride prevented bone loss at the ultradistal radius, whereas in Study NA, it did not (see Figure 1).

Effect on Endometrium

In placebo-controlled osteoporosis prevention trials, endometrial thickness was evaluated every 6 months (for 24 months) by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU). A total of 2978 TVU measurements were collected from 831 women in all dose groups. Placebo-treated women had a 0.04 mm mean increase from baseline in endometrial thickness over 2 years, whereas the raloxifene hydrochloride-treated women had a 0.09 mm mean increase. Endometrial thickness measurements in raloxifene-treated women were indistinguishable from placebo. There were no differences between the raloxifene and placebo groups with respect to the incidence of reported vaginal bleeding.

14.3 Reduction in Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

MORE Trial

The effect of raloxifene hydrochloride on the incidence of breast cancer was assessed as a secondary safety endpoint in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational osteoporosis treatment trial in postmenopausal women [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. After 4 years, raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of all breast cancers by 62%, compared with placebo (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.67). Raloxifene hydrochloride reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 71%, compared with placebo (ARR 3.1 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to an 80% reduction in the incidence of ER-positive invasive breast cancer in the raloxifene hydrochloride group compared with placebo. Table 7 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.

CORE Trial

The effect of raloxifene hydrochloride on the incidence of invasive breast cancer was evaluated for 4 additional years in a follow-up study conducted in a subset of postmenopausal women originally enrolled in the MORE osteoporosis treatment trial. Women were not re-randomized; the treatment assignment from the osteoporosis treatment trial was carried forward to this study. Raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 56%, compared with placebo (ARR 3.0 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to a 63% reduction in the incidence of ER-positive invasive breast cancer in the raloxifene hydrochloride group compared with placebo. There was no reduction in the incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. In the osteoporosis treatment trial and the follow-up study, there was no difference in incidence of noninvasive breast cancer between the raloxifene hydrochloride and placebo groups. Table 7 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.

In a subset of postmenopausal women followed for up to 8 years from randomization in MORE to the end of CORE, raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 60% in women assigned raloxifene hydrochloride (N=1355) compared with placebo (N=1286) (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21, 0.77; ARR 1.95 per 1000 women-years); this was primarily due to a 65% reduction in the incidence of ER-positive invasive breast cancer in the raloxifene hydrochloride group compared with placebo.

RUTH Trial

The effect of raloxifene hydrochloride on the incidence of invasive breast cancer was assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational study in 10,101 postmenopausal women at increased risk of coronary events. Women in this study had a median age of 67.6 years (range 55-92) and were followed for a median of 5.6 years (range 0.01-7.1). Eighty-four percent were White, 9.8% of women reported a first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer, and 41.4% of the women had a 5-year predicted risk of invasive breast cancer ≥1.66%, based on the modified Gail model.

Raloxifene hydrochloride, 60 mg administered once daily, reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 44% compared with placebo [absolute risk reduction (ARR) 1.2 per 1000 women-years]; this was primarily due to a 55% reduction in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive invasive breast cancer in the raloxifene hydrochloride group compared with placebo (ARR 1.2 per 1000 women-years). There was no reduction in ER-negative invasive breast cancer. Table 8 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.

The effect of raloxifene hydrochloride in reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer was consistent among women above or below age 65 or with a 5-year predicted invasive breast cancer risk, based on the modified Gail model, <1.66%, or ≥1.66%.

14.4 Reduction in Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women at High Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer

STAR Trial

The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride 60 mg/day versus tamoxifen 20 mg/day over 5 years on reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer were assessed in 19,747 postmenopausal women in a randomized, double-blind trial conducted in North America by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Women in this study had a mean age of 58.5 years (range 35-83), a mean 5-year predicted invasive breast cancer risk of 4.03% (range 1.66-23.61%), and 9.1% had a history of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). More than 93% of participants were White. As of 31 December 2005, the median time of follow-up was 4.3 years (range 0.07-6.50 years).

Raloxifene hydrochloride was not superior to tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of invasive breast cancer. The observed incidence rates of invasive breast cancer were raloxifene hydrochloride 4.4 and tamoxifen 4.3 per 1000 women per year. The results from a noninferiority analysis are consistent with raloxifene hydrochloride potentially losing up to 35% of the tamoxifen effect on reduction of invasive breast cancer. The effect of each treatment on invasive breast cancer was consistent when women were compared by baseline age, history of LCIS, history of atypical hyperplasia, 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer by the modified Gail model, or the number of relatives with a history of breast cancer. Fewer noninvasive breast cancers occurred in the tamoxifen group compared to the raloxifene hydrochloride group. Table 9 presents efficacy and selected safety outcomes.

14.5 Effects on Cardiovascular Disease

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multinational clinical trial (RUTH) of 10,101 postmenopausal women with documented coronary heart disease or at increased risk for coronary events, no cardiovascular benefit was demonstrated after treatment with raloxifene hydrochloride 60 mg once daily for a median follow-up of 5.6 years. No significant increase or decrease was observed for coronary events (death from coronary causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome). An increased risk of death due to stroke after treatment with raloxifene hydrochloride was observed: 59 (1.2%) raloxifene hydrochloride-treated women died due to a stroke compared to 39 (0.8%) placebo-treated women (2.2 versus 1.5 per 1000 women-years; hazard ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.24; p=0.0499). The incidence of stroke did not differ significantly between treatment groups (249 with raloxifene hydrochloride [4.9%] versus 224 with placebo [4.4%]; hazard ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.32; p=0.30; 9.5 versus 8.6 per 1000 women-years) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

16.1 How Supplied

Raloxifene hydrochloride 60 mg tablets are white, elliptical, and film coated. They are imprinted on one side with the tablet code 4810 in edible blue ink. They are available as follows:

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP]. The USP defines controlled room temperature as a temperature maintained thermostatically that encompasses the usual and customary working environment of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); that results in a mean kinetic temperature calculated to be not more than 25°C; and that allows for excursions between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) that are experienced in pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouses.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved Medication Guide.

Physicians should instruct their patients to read the Medication Guide before starting therapy with raloxifene hydrochloride and to reread it each time the prescription is renewed.

17.1 Osteoporosis Recommendations, Including Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

For osteoporosis treatment or prevention, patients should be instructed to take supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D if intake is inadequate. Patients at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g., over the age of 70 years, nursing home bound, chronically ill, or with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes) should be instructed to take additional vitamin D if needed. Weight-bearing exercises should be considered along with the modification of certain behavioral factors, such as cigarette smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption, if these factors exist.

17.2 Patient Immobilization

Raloxifene hydrochloride should be discontinued at least 72 hours prior to and during prolonged immobilization (e.g., post-surgical recovery, prolonged bed rest), and patients should be advised to avoid prolonged restrictions of movement during travel because of the increased risk of venous thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

17.3 Hot Flashes or Flushes

Raloxifene hydrochloride may increase the incidence of hot flashes and is not effective in reducing hot flashes or flushes associated with estrogen deficiency. In some asymptomatic patients, hot flashes may occur upon beginning raloxifene hydrochloride therapy.

17.4 Reduction in Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis or at High Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer

Use of raloxifene hydrochloride is associated with the reduction of the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene hydrochloride has not been shown to reduce the risk of noninvasive breast cancer. When considering treatment, physicians need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of raloxifene hydrochloride treatment with the patient.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is not indicated for the treatment of invasive breast cancer or reduction of the risk of recurrence.

Patients should have breast exams and mammograms before starting raloxifene hydrochloride and should continue regular breast exams and mammograms in keeping with good medical practice after beginning treatment with raloxifene hydrochloride.

Literature issued March 2014

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Copyright © 1997, 2014, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.

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Medication Guide

Raloxifene Hydrochloride

Tablets for Oral Use

Read the Medication Guide that comes with raloxifene hydrochloride before you start taking it and each time you refill your prescription. The information may have changed. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. Talk with your doctor about raloxifene hydrochloride when you start taking it and at regular checkups.

What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene hydrochloride?

Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking raloxifene hydrochloride. These include blood clots and dying from stroke:

• Increased risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) have been reported with raloxifene hydrochloride. Women who have or have had blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes should not take raloxifene hydrochloride.
• Women who have had a heart attack or are at risk for a heart attack may have an increased risk of dying from stroke when taking raloxifene hydrochloride.

• Before starting raloxifene hydrochloride, tell your doctor if you have had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes, a stroke, mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack), or have an irregular heartbeat.
• Stop taking raloxifene hydrochloride and call your doctor if you have:
  • leg pain or a feeling of warmth in the lower leg (calf).
  • swelling of the legs, hands, or feet.
  • sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
  • sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or blurred vision.
• Being still for a long time (such as sitting still during a long car or airplane trip or being in bed after surgery) can increase your risk of blood clots. (See “What should I avoid if I am taking raloxifene hydrochloride?”)

What is raloxifene hydrochloride?

Raloxifene hydrochloride is a type of prescription medicine called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). Raloxifene hydrochloride is for women after menopause, and has more than one use:

• Osteoporosis: Raloxifene hydrochloride treats and prevents osteoporosis by helping make your bones stronger and less likely to break.
• Invasive Breast Cancer: If you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for breast cancer, raloxifene hydrochloride can be used to lower your chance of getting invasive breast cancer. Raloxifene hydrochloride will not totally get rid of your chance of getting breast cancer. Your doctor can estimate your risk of breast cancer by asking you about risk factors, including:
• your age (getting older).
• family history of breast cancer in your mother, sister, or daughter.
• a history of any breast biopsy, especially an abnormal biopsy.

You and your doctor should talk about whether the possible benefit of raloxifene hydrochloride in lowering your chance of getting invasive breast cancer is greater than its possible risks.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is not for use in premenopausal women (women who have not passed menopause).

Who should not take raloxifene hydrochloride?

Do not take raloxifene hydrochloride if you:

• have or have had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes. Taking raloxifene hydrochloride may increase the risk of getting blood clots.
• are pregnant or could become pregnant. Raloxifene hydrochloride could harm your unborn child.
• are nursing a baby. It is not known if raloxifene hydrochloride passes into breast milk or what effect it might have on the baby.

What should I tell my doctor before taking raloxifene hydrochloride?

Raloxifene hydrochloride may not be right for you. Before taking raloxifene hydrochloride, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes, a stroke, mini-stroke (TIA/transient ischemic attack), or a type of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
• have had breast cancer. Raloxifene hydrochloride has not been fully studied in women who have a history of breast cancer.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• have taken estrogen in the past and had a high increase of triglycerides (a kind of fat in the blood).
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding (see “Who should not take raloxifene hydrochloride?”).

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. Especially tell your doctor if you take*:

• warfarin (Coumadin^®, Jantoven^®)
  If you are taking warfarin or other coumarin blood thinners, your doctor may need to do a blood test when you first start or if you need to stop taking raloxifene hydrochloride. Names for this test include “prothrombin time,” “pro-time,” or “INR.” Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your warfarin or other coumarin blood thinner.
• cholestyramine
• estrogens

Raloxifene hydrochloride should not be taken with cholestyramine or estrogens.

How should I take raloxifene hydrochloride?

• Take raloxifene hydrochloride exactly how your doctor tells you to.
• Keep taking raloxifene hydrochloride for as long as your doctor prescribes it for you. It is not known how long you should keep taking raloxifene hydrochloride to lower your chance of getting invasive breast cancers.
• It is important to get your refills on time so you do not run out of the medicine.
• Take one raloxifene hydrochloride tablet each day.
• Take raloxifene hydrochloride at any time of the day, with or without food.
• To help you remember to take raloxifene hydrochloride, it may be best to take it at about the same time each day.
• Calcium and vitamin D may be taken at the same time as raloxifene hydrochloride. It is important to take calcium and vitamin D, as directed by your physician, to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What should I avoid while taking raloxifene hydrochloride?

• Being still for a long time (such as during long trips or being in bed after surgery) can increase the risk of blood clots. Raloxifene hydrochloride may add to this risk. If you will need to be still for a long time, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of blood clots. On long trips, move around periodically. Stop taking raloxifene hydrochloride at least 3 days before a planned surgery or before you plan on being still for a long time. You should start taking raloxifene hydrochloride again when you return to your normal activities.
• Some medicines should not be taken with raloxifene hydrochloride (see “What should I tell my doctor before taking raloxifene hydrochloride?”).

What are the possible side effects of raloxifene hydrochloride?

Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur while taking raloxifene hydrochloride. These include blood clots and dying from stroke:

• Increased risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) have been reported with raloxifene hydrochloride. Women who have or have had blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes should not take raloxifene hydrochloride.
• Women who have had a heart attack or are at risk for a heart attack may have an increased risk of dying from stroke when taking raloxifene hydrochloride.

See “What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene hydrochloride?”

The most common side effects of raloxifene hydrochloride are hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs, flu syndrome, joint pain, and sweating. Hot flashes are more common during the first 6 months after starting treatment.

These are not all the side effects of raloxifene hydrochloride. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What else should I know about raloxifene hydrochloride?

• Do not use raloxifene hydrochloride to prevent heart disease, heart attack, or strokes.
• To get the calcium and vitamin D you need, your doctor may advise you to change your diet and/or take supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Your doctor may suggest other ways to help treat or prevent osteoporosis, in addition to taking raloxifene hydrochloride and getting the calcium and vitamin D you need. These may include regular exercise, stopping smoking, and drinking less alcohol.
• Women who have hot flashes can take raloxifene hydrochloride. Raloxifene hydrochloride does not treat hot flashes, and it may cause hot flashes in some women. (See “What are the possible side effects of raloxifene hydrochloride?”)
• Raloxifene hydrochloride has not been found to cause breast tenderness or enlargement. If you notice any changes in your breasts, call your doctor to find out the cause. Before starting and while taking raloxifene hydrochloride you should have breast exams and mammograms, as directed by your doctor. Because raloxifene hydrochloride does not eliminate the chance of developing breast cancers, you need these examinations to find any breast cancers as early as possible.
• Raloxifene hydrochloride should not cause spotting or menstrual-type bleeding. If you have any vaginal bleeding, call your doctor to find out the cause. Raloxifene hydrochloride has not been found to increase the risk for cancer of the lining of the uterus.
• Women in clinical trials have taken raloxifene hydrochloride for up to eight years.

How should I store raloxifene hydrochloride?

• Store raloxifene hydrochloride at 68°F to 77°F (20°C-25°C).
• Keep raloxifene hydrochloride and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General Information about the safe and effective use of raloxifene hydrochloride

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use raloxifene hydrochloride for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give your raloxifene hydrochloride to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide is a summary of the most important information about raloxifene hydrochloride. If you would like more information about raloxifene hydrochloride, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about raloxifene hydrochloride that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 (toll-free).

What are the ingredients in raloxifene hydrochloride?

Active Ingredient: raloxifene hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients: anhydrous lactose, carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

*The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Eli Lilly and Company or its products.

Medication Guide issued March 2014

Distributed by: Prasco Laboratories
Mason, OH 45040 USA

Copyright © 1997, 2014, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.

PV 9740 AMP

PACKAGE LABEL – Raloxifene, 60mg, Box of 30 Unit Dose Tablets

NDC 0179-0151-70

No. 4810

PRASCO

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Raloxifene HCl Tablets

60 mg

Box of 30 Unit Dose Tablets

Rx only