Food and medicine interaction

Green tea and raloxifene (Evista) for osteoporosis

EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

What can happen

Drinking green tea with raloxifene lowered the drug's levels in a study of 16 healthy adults: total exposure fell to about 60 percent of the level seen with water, after both one day and five days of tea.

Why it happens: Not settled; researchers suspect green tea compounds block transporters in the gut that help absorb raloxifene.
At ordinary food amounts: The study used brewed green tea taken with the dose, so ordinary drinking amounts may matter. How much spacing removes the effect has not been studied.

What to do

If you take raloxifene and drink green tea, mention it to your prescriber or pharmacist and ask whether to separate them. Do not stop raloxifene on your own.

Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.

Common questions

Can I have green tea while taking osteoporosis medicines?

If you take raloxifene and drink green tea, mention it to your prescriber or pharmacist and ask whether to separate them. Do not stop raloxifene on your own. The study used brewed green tea taken with the dose, so ordinary drinking amounts may matter. How much spacing removes the effect has not been studied.