Final answer:
Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer. It acts as an estrogen agonist in some tissues and as an estrogen antagonist in others. This dual mechanism of action allows for the benefits of estrogen without the same risks as systemic estrogen therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are a class of drugs that interact with estrogen receptors in the body. Raloxifene, a commonly used SERM, acts by selectively binding to estrogen receptors and modulating their activity. It is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer.
Specifically, raloxifene acts as an estrogen agonist in some tissues, such as reducing cholesterol levels, while acting as an estrogen antagonist in other tissues, such as the breast and uterus, where it helps prevent the growth of hormone-dependent tumors.
This dual mechanism of action makes raloxifene a valuable therapeutic option for conditions related to estrogen, without the same risks associated with systemic estrogen therapy.