Breast Cancer - New Treatment Alternatives

There is a new treatment alternative for women at high risk for breast cancer. Tamoxifen has been used for several years to reduce the risk of breast cancer or recurrence of breast cancer. Now a new drug that was introduced to reduce the risk of osteoporosis has shown good results in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Tamoxifen has proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent. It is routinely given to postoperative breast cancer surgery patients. Those patients normally take the drug for a minimum of five years.

Raloxifene, a drug developed to treat osteoporosis has been found to be as effective as Tamoxifen and is considered safer. Raloxifene shows promise in effective use against breast cancer and causes fewer blood clots that could be life-threatening and fewer cases of uterine cancer. Raloxifene also causes fewer cataracts, which is clouding the lens of the eye. The study was conducted throughout the United States by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Both Tamoxifen and Raloxifene will produce side effects. Women who took Tamoxifen had bladder control problems, leg cramps and gynecological problems. Women who took Raloxifene had pain during sexual intercourse, weight gain, and more muscle and bone aches. Most women who have been on these two drugs claim the side effects didn't prevent them from enjoying a good quality of life.

Tests and trials continue for Raloxifene and researchers state it should have government approval in about one year. This new drug will give woman two choices in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Raloxifene also has another positive side effect. It reduces bad cholesterol and doesn't affect the good cholesterol

This is an important step in the right direction for those women who have an increased risk of breast cancer. Older women who are postmenopausal are considered to be at increased risk will have the choice of Tamoxifen or the safer Raloxifene.

Raloxifene is taken once a day. If you forget to take a dose, you should wait until time for your next scheduled dose. You do not need to try to make up for the missed dosage.
The drug can be stored at room temperature and can be taken with or without food. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while taking Raloxifene. Some drugs may cause an interaction with Raloxifene including reducing the effectiveness of the other drugs. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding should not use the drug Raloxifene. It also should not be used if you are going to be stationary for a time. It does have the tendency to increase the risk of blood clots. If you are going on a long trip or recovering from surgery, your doctor may want to adjust the dosage.

Raloxifene does increase the possibility of developing blood clots although is not considered as risky as Tamoxifen. Your medical doctor is the best one to advise you if you are a good candidate for using this new drug.

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