What are SERMS?
Evista (Raloxifene) is a drug in the class known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or SERMs. This drug has been shown to reduce the risk for fracture in the spine. This drug approved by the FDA acts by slowing the turn over of bone rather than stimulating new bone formation. Bone mass increases because even though osteoclasts can’t start new remodeling sites, osteoblasts continue filling in existing cavities. Increases in bone mass are most pronounced in the first year or two after treatment begins and then tapers off. Any gain is helpful even if it doesn’t continue because increases in bone mass help reduce fracture risk.
