What is SERM?--
These are the new group of drugs that selectively act on certain organs & spare the other organs.

What is the advantage of this property?--
Due to selectivity of the action the side effects can be reduced. i.e. absence of action on the uterus can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

RALOXIFENE--This is the latest SERM. The daily dose is of 60 mg.

Effects--

• The skeleton--Bone loss is halted. In fact, studies show that the bone mass is increased by 2-3% with 2 years treatment.
• Cardiovascular--There is a decrease in the total cholesterol, an increase in the HDL cholesterol. What this translates into is a decrease in the risk of angina & ischemic heart disease.
• Uterus--There is no increase in the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Breast--unlike conventional HRT; the patients do not have either breast tenderness or enlargement. Also risk of breast cancer is very low. In fact raloxifene may have an anticancer effect.

There may be flushes, calf cramps. However these are rare. Significant side effect is that of thromboembolic phenomenon.