Authors' objectives:

To systematically assess, using a meta-analysis if appropriate, raloxifene's safety and efficacy to prevent osteoporotic vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. To compare raloxifene against placebo and other drug treatments, including estrogen alone in women with hysterectomies, estrogen-progestin combination therapies, bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate and etidronate) and salmon calcitonin.

Authors' recommendations: Raloxifene has no effect on the incidence of non-vertebral fractures such as hip fractures. Because of trial diversity, the planned meta-analysis to compare raloxifene's efficacy with other drugs used to prevent osteoporosis could not be accomplished. Compared with placebo, raloxifene's primary clinical benefit is a reduction in vertebral fracture in older postmenopausal women, particularly if some vertebral fractures are present at baseline. This benefit is offset by a similar increase in serious adverse events due to venous thromboembolic disease. Raloxifene causes significantly more mild to moderate adverse effects such as hot flashes and leg cramps compared with placebo, but significantly less vaginal bleeding than estrogen-progestin combination therapy.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)