What is the most common side effect associated with raloxifene?

Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Among its side effects, hot flashes are frequently reported. This side effect arises because, while raloxifene mimics estrogen in some tissues, it does not effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, similar to how estrogen therapy would. Instead, it can induce hot flashes, which can be distressing for many individuals using this medication.

In contrast, while headaches, nausea, and dizziness can occur as side effects of various medications, they are not specifically associated or more prevalent with raloxifene compared to hot flashes. The observation of hot flashes is significant in understanding how raloxifene interacts with the body and the expectations for individuals taking this medication.