1 raloxifene | Definition of raloxifene
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raloxifene

noun
ral·​ox·​i·​fene | \ ˌra-ˈläk-sə-ˌfēn How to pronounce raloxifene (audio) \

Definition of raloxifene

: a drug used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C28H27NO4S·HCl as prophylaxis against osteoporosis after menopause

Examples of raloxifene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In particular, two drugs—called tamoxifen and raloxifene—can block estrogen in the breast cells, lowering the risk of developing breast cancer by about 40%, according to the American Cancer Society. — Maria Masters, Health.com, "5 Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence," 17 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'raloxifene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of raloxifene

1993, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for raloxifene

ral- (of unknown origin) + -oxifene, alteration of -oxifen (as in tamoxifen)

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More Definitions for raloxifene

raloxifene

noun
ral·​ox·​i·​fene | \ ˌral-ˈäk-sə-ˌfēn How to pronounce raloxifene (audio) \

Medical Definition of raloxifene

: a drug used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C28H27NO4S·HCl to prevent and treat osteoporosis after menopause and to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer

Note: Raloxifene binds to the estrogen receptors of cells and is in a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators. It is marketed under the trademark Evista.

Drugs like raloxifene target estrogen receptors to preserve bone mass.— Claudia Kalb, Newsweek, 22 July 2002 … raloxifene operates as an estrogen agonist in bone but as an antagonist in the breast and uterus.— Gideon A. Rodan et al., Science, 1 Sept. 2000

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