Indications
Bazedoxifene is used in women after menopause to treat and prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and so lower the risk of spine fractures. In combination with Conjugated Estrogens, it is also used to relieve menopausal hot flushes and to help protect bone in women who still have a womb.
How It Works
Bazedoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It acts like the hormone estrogen in some tissues and blocks estrogen in others. In bone it behaves like estrogen, slowing bone loss and helping keep bone strong. In the womb lining and breast it blocks estrogen, which is why it can be paired with estrogen to protect the womb lining.
Dosage and Administration
The usual dose for osteoporosis is 20 mg by mouth once a day, with or without food, at about the same time each day. When combined with Conjugated Estrogens, take one tablet daily as prescribed. Your doctor will usually advise enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet or as supplements. Use it for as long as your doctor recommends and have regular reviews.
Interactions
- Other estrogens, hormone therapy or other SERMs such as Raloxifene or Tamoxifen should not be combined unless your doctor says so.
- Medicines that speed up liver enzymes, such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and Phenobarbital, may reduce its effect.
- Cholestyramine may reduce its absorption.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and herbal products you take.
Contraindications
- Current or past blood clots in the legs, lungs or eyes (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vein thrombosis).
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Known or suspected breast cancer, womb cancer or other estrogen-sensitive cancer (combination product).
- Women who could still become pregnant, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Severe liver disease.
- Allergy to Bazedoxifene.
Side Effects
Common side effects include hot flushes, leg cramps, swelling of the hands or feet, dry mouth, muscle aches and abdominal pain. A small increase in the risk of blood clots in the veins is the most important serious risk. Rarely, stroke or allergic reactions occur.
Get urgent medical help if you have pain, swelling or redness in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, coughing up blood, sudden loss of vision, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, or swelling of the face and throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Bazedoxifene is only for women after menopause. It must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by women who may still become pregnant.
Precautions and Warnings
- Stop the medicine some days before planned surgery or long periods of immobility, such as a long journey or bed rest, as advised by your doctor, to reduce clot risk.
- Tell your doctor if you have high triglycerides, kidney or liver problems, or a history of stroke.
- Report any vaginal bleeding during treatment.
- Keep up regular breast checks and health reviews.
Overdose
There is little experience with overdose. If someone takes too much, contact a doctor or poison centre. Treatment is based on symptoms.
Therapeutic Class
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM); bone metabolism regulator for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in the original pack and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.