Ask The Doctors: May 2010

Analysis of data from a large trial has suggested that there is a slightly increased risk of blood clot formation in the veins, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), in patients taking raloxifene compared to those on placebo. The risk for fatal stroke appears somewhat higher, as well. However, the overall risk of these events is still extremely low. Active smoking was the only cardiovascular risk factor which could be tied to increased chance of fatal stroke while taking raloxifene.