Raloxifene is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which mimic the effects of estrogen in some tissues while blocking it in others. This helps to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. In addition to its role in bone health, raloxifene may also lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with osteoporosis or at high risk for the disease. It is taken orally, and like all medications, it may have side effects, so it's important for patients to discuss its use with their healthcare provider.