Treatment FAQ

what is treatment of osteoporosis

by Audreanne Kessler Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Aug 13, 2020 · These practices also are important: Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and... Good nutrition. Eat a healthy diet and make certain that you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up ...

Nutrition

12 rows · AACE/ACE, ACR, NAMS, and the Endocrine Society recommend bisphosphonates, excluding ibandronate, as ...

What are the best natural remedies for osteoporosis?

The medications abaloparatide orteriparatide treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for a fracture. They're a man-made form of parathyroid hormone. They're a …

What is the newest medication for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis treatments include the “basic CDE’s” -- calcium(C), vitamin D (D), weight-bearing exercise (E), prevention of Falls (F), and bone-friendly medicines.

Can I do anything to prevent osteoporosis?

Management and Treatment How is osteoporosis treated? Treatments for established osteoporosis may include exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications. Exercise and supplementation are often suggested to help you prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing, resistance and balance exercises are all important.

What is osteoporosis and how is it treated?

Jun 26, 2017 · Treating osteoporosis means stopping the bone loss and rebuilding bone to prevent breaks. Healthy lifestyle choices such as proper diet, exercise, and medications can help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. But, lifestyle changes may not be enough if you have lost a lot of bone density.

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What is the most popular treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.

What is a good treatment for osteoporosis?

Types of Osteoporosis Medications
  • Antiresorptive drugs slow the rate that your body breaks down bone. They include bisphosphonates, denosumab, estrogens, calcitonin, and others.
  • Anabolic drugs increase bone formation. Examples are romosozumab (Evenity) and teriparatide (Forteo).
Jul 30, 2020

What is the latest treatment for osteoporosis?

Romosozumab (Evenity).

This is the newest bone-building medication to treat osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office and is limited to one year of treatment.
Aug 21, 2021

What is the first line of treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates should be used as first-line pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis. In patients who cannot tolerate or whose symptoms do not improve with bisphosphonate therapy, teriparatide (Forteo) and denosumab (Prolia) are effective alternative medications to prevent osteoporotic fractures.Aug 15, 2015

What is the best natural treatment for osteoporosis?

While more scientific research is needed on the subject, some herbs and supplements are believed to reduce or potentially stop the bone loss caused by osteoporosis.
  • Red clover. Red clover is thought to contain estrogen-like compounds. ...
  • Soy. ...
  • Black cohosh. ...
  • Horsetail. ...
  • Acupuncture. ...
  • Tai chi. ...
  • Melatonin.

What is the best injection for osteoporosis?

Denosumab injection (Prolia) is used

treat osteoporosis that is caused by corticosteroid medications in men and women who will be taking corticosteroid medications for at least 6 months and have an increased risk for fractures or who cannot take or did not respond to other medication treatments for osteoporosis.
Aug 15, 2019

What is the fastest way to increase bone density?

Keep reading for tips on increasing bone density naturally.
  1. Weightlifting and strength training. ...
  2. Eating more vegetables. ...
  3. Consuming calcium throughout the day. ...
  4. Eating foods rich in vitamins D and K. ...
  5. Maintaining a healthy weight. ...
  6. Avoiding a low calorie diet. ...
  7. Eating more protein. ...
  8. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Jul 30, 2019

What is the name of the daily injection for osteoporosis?

Designed with patients in mind

TYMLOS is a daily injection for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The pen needle is about the length of an eyelash. Each pen has 30 days of medicine. You can take TYMLOS with or without food or drink.

What not to eat if you have osteoporosis?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Osteoporosis
  • Salt. ...
  • Caffeine. ...
  • Soda. ...
  • Red Meat. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Wheat Bran. ...
  • Liver and Fish Liver Oil.

What are at least 3 treatments for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis treatment: Where to start

pills, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), or risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), taken daily, weekly, or monthly. injections of ibandronate (Boniva), given once every three months.

What is the safest injection for osteoporosis?

Boniva is the brand name for the generic drug ibandronate. Like Fosamax, Boniva is also a bisphosphonate. It is FDA-approved to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.Jan 29, 2021

How is osteoporosis diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose osteoporosis and assess your risk of fracture and determine your need for treatment, your doctor will most likely order a bone density scan. This exam is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It is most commonly performed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry.

Which Medications Are Commonly Used For Osteoporosis Treatment?

Bisphosphonates are the most common medications prescribed for osteoporosis treatment. These include: 1. Alendronate (Fosamax) 2. Risedronate (Acto...

How Do Most Osteoporosis Medications Work?

With the exception of teriparatide, osteoporosis medications slow bone breakdown. Healthy bones continuously break down and rebuild.As you age — es...

How Do You Know If You're Taking The Right bisphosphonate?

Drugs in the bisphosphonate class are more alike than they are different. They all help maintain bone density. And, all bisphosphonates have been s...

When Might Other Osteoporosis Medications Be used?

Drugs such as denosumab, teriparatide and abaloparatide can be used by anyone with osteoporosis, but are more likely to be recommended for people w...

What Are Common Side Effects of Bisphosphonate pills?

Bisphosphonate pills aren't absorbed well in the stomach. The main side effects of bisphosphonate pills are stomach upset and heartburn. Generic fo...

Do Intravenous Bisphosphonates Have Advantages Over The Pill form?

Infused forms of bisphosphonates don't cause stomach upset. And it may be easier for some women to schedule a quarterly or yearly infusion than to...

Can Bisphosphonates Hurt Your Bones?

Long-term bisphosphonate therapy has been linked to a rare problem in which the upper thighbone cracks and may break. This injury, known as atypica...

How Long Should You Take A Bisphosphonate For Osteoporosis Treatment?

There's some uncertainty about how long to take bisphosphonates because of a lack of long-term studies. Bisphosphonates have been shown to be safe...

What Happens If You Break A Bone While Taking An Osteoporosis medication?

Osteoporosis medications lower the chance of fracture, but they don't eliminate all risk of breaking a bone. If you have a fracture while on treatm...

Can Medication Alone Successfully Treat Osteoporosis?

Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important: 1. Exercise. Weight-bearing phys...

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

If you can't tolerate the more common treatments for osteoporosis — or if they don't work well enough — your doctor might suggest trying: Teriparatide (Forteo). This powerful drug is similar to parathyroid hormone and stimulates new bone growth. It's given by daily injection under the skin.

How to reduce the risk of osteoporosis?

Smoking increases rates of bone loss and the chance of fracture. Avoid excessive alcohol. Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day might decrease bone formation.

What is the complication of bisphosphonates and denosumab?

A very rare complication of bisphosphonates and denosumab is a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone. A second rare complication is delayed healing of the jawbone (osteonecrosis of the jaw). This can occur after an invasive dental procedure such as removing a tooth.

How long can you take teriparatide for osteoporosis?

After two years of treatment with teriparatide, another osteoporosis drug is taken to maintain the new bone growth. Abaloparatide (Tymlos) is another drug similar to parathyroid hormone. You can take it for only two years, which will be followed by another osteoporosis medication. Romosozumab (Evenity).

What is the newest bone building medication?

Romosozumab (Evenity). This is the newest bone-building medication to treat osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office. It is limited to one year of treatment, followed by other osteoporosis medications.

How often is denosumab shot?

Denosumab is delivered via a shot under the skin every six months. If you take denosumab, you might have to continue to do so indefinitely.

How to prevent falling?

Prevent falls. Wear low-heeled shoes with nonslip soles and check your house for electrical cords, area rugs and slippery surfaces that might cause you to fall.

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. The FDA has approved many bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss and fractures in post-menopausal women: alendronate (brand name Fosamax), etidronate (brand name Didronel), ibandronate (brand name Boniva), risedronate (brand name Actonel), tiludronate (brand name Skelid), pamidronate (brand name Aredia) and zoledronic acid (brand names Reclast and Zometa). Some are taken daily; others are formulated for weekly, monthly or yearly use. Bisphosphonates decrease the rate that bone is destroyed, a process called resorption, by stopping the activity of the cells that cause bone breakdown, called osteoclasts. This slows down the rate of bone loss. The drugs are also incorporated into newly formed bone and can persist in them for years, so the effects last well beyond the final treatment.

What hormones are used to treat osteoporosis?

Two other hormones have been approved to treat osteoporosis: teriparatide and abaloparatide. Teriparatide (brand name Forteo) is a lab-made derivative of human parathyroid hormone (PTH), and abaloparatide (band name Tymlos) is a derivative of human parathyroid hormone-related protein.

How has osteoporosis changed?

Osteoporosis treatment has radically changed in a relatively short period. In the early 1990s, women had few treatment options. Now, there are many different types of treatments available. This has created a dilemma for women trying to decide which, if any, of these medications they need. The NWHN believes that treatment should be focused on women ...

What is the name of the drug that stops bone breakdown?

Denosumab (brand name Prolia) osteoporosis medication (Amgen) Denosumab (brand name Prolia) is an osteoporosis medication that uses human monoclonal antibody. Approved in 2010, this drug works by targeting and inactivating osteoclasts to stop natural bone breakdown, or resorption, processes.

How do bisphosphonates affect bone?

Bisphosphonates decrease the rate that bone is destroyed, a process called resorption, by stopping the activity of the cells that cause bone breakdown, called osteoclasts. This slows down the rate of bone loss.

How to maintain healthy bones?

Exercise is another critical way to maintain healthy bones. Studies have shown that exercise —especially weight bearing exercise regimens like walking, dancing, or running—leads to increased bone density. Tai Chi - an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, deliberate movements, breathing exercises, and meditation - has been shown to be one of the most effective exercise regimens for increasing bone density and reducing fracture risk. An added benefit of exercise is that it increases strength and balance, which can reduce the risk of falling that leads to fracture.

Does bisphosphonate change?

The way bisphosphonates are prescribed has changed as our data has improved. The National Women’s Health Network expressed strong concerns with the old “screen early, treat indefinitely” approach to osteoporosis that drug companies heavily promoted.

What is the best treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis?

AACE/ACE provides evidence-based information for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). In those with no prior fragility fractures or with moderate fracture risk, alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, or denosumab (Prolia, Amgen) are appropriate as first-line options, while ibandronate and raloxifene are considered alternatives. In those with prior fragility fractures or indicators of high fracture risk, denosumab, teriparatide (Forteo, Lilly), and zoledronic acid are recommended for first-line use, with alendronate and risedronate as alternatives. Indicators of high fracture risk include advanced age, frailty, glucocorticoids, very low T-scores, and increased fall risk. Teriparatide, denosumab, or zoledronic acid should be considered for those unable to use oral therapy. Raloxifene or ibandronate may be used as initial therapy for spine-specific efficacy. While sequential therapy of teriparatide followed by an antiresorptive medication is supported, combination therapy of osteoporosis medications for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is not recommended due to limited availability of supportive data, increased cost, and potential increased side effects. 3

How many people have osteoporosis?

Approximately 10 million men and women in the U.S. have osteoporosis, 1 a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone architecture that increase the risk of fractures. 2 Osteoporosis-related fractures can increase pain, disability, nursing home placement, total health care costs, and mortality. 3 The diagnosis of osteoporosis is primarily determined by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) using noninvasive dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Osteoporosis medications include bisphosphonates, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand inhibitors, estrogen agonists/antagonists, parathyroid hormone analogues, and calcitonin. 3 – 6 Emerging therapies utilizing novel mechanisms include a cathepsin K inhibitor and a monoclonal antibody against sclerostin. 7, 8 While professional organizations have compiled recommendations for the management of osteoporosis in various populations, a consensus has yet to develop as to which is the gold standard; therefore, economic evaluations have been increasingly important to help guide decision-makers. A review of cost-effectiveness literature on the efficacy of oral bisphosphonates has shown alendronate and risedronate to be most cost-effective in women with low BMD without previous fractures. 9 Guidelines are inconsistent as to the place in therapy of denosumab (Prolia, Amgen). In economic analyses evaluating treatment of postmenopausal women, denosumab outperformed risedronate and ibandronate; its efficacy was comparable to generic alendronate, but it cost more. 10 With regard to older men with osteoporosis, denosumab was also found to be cost-effective when compared with bisphosphonates and teriparatide (Forteo, Lilly). 11

What is the goal of pharmacological therapy?

The goal of pharmacological therapy is to reduce the risk of fractures. 2 – 4 Medications to treat osteoporosis are categorized as either antiresorptive (i.e., bisphosphonates, estrogen agonist/ antagonists [EAAs], estrogens, calcitonin, and denosumab) or anabolic (i.e., teriparatide). Antiresorptive medications primarily decrease the rate of bone resorption while anabolic medications increase bone formation more than bone resorption. While several medications have overlapping indications, it is important to note that not all osteoporosis medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PMO, osteoporosis in men, and/or GIO ( Table 2 ). Per AACE/ACE guidelines, first-line treatment for most PMO patients at high risk of fracture includes alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab. For those who cannot use oral therapy and are at high risk of fracture, use of teriparatide, denosumab, or zoledronic acid is recommended. 3 This recommendation is also reflected in the ACP guidelines, and authors notably suggest treatment duration of five years for PMO, as well as first-line treatment with bisphosphonates for men with osteoporosis. 33

What causes osteoporosis in men?

Causes of secondary osteoporosis may differ between genders. For men, excessive alcohol use, glucocorticoid use, and hypogonadism are more commonly associated with osteoporosis. 22 For example, men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer are at increased risk of osteoporosis; Shahinian et al. found that 19.4% of those treated with ADT experienced a fracture compared with 12.6% of those who were not. 23 Tannenbaum et al. found that osteoporosis in 32.4% of women was attributed to secondary causes, most often hypercalciuria, malabsorption of calcium, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Of note, disorders of calcium metabolism and hyperparathyroidism contributed to 78% of the secondary causes. 24

What is the process of resorbed bone?

Throughout life, bones are remodeled, meaning that they are continuously resorbed by osteoclasts and replaced with new bone made by osteoblasts. This process allows for maintenance of mechanical strength and repair. An imbalance in remodeling activity in which resorption exceeds formation may result in the pathophysiological changes seen in osteoporosis. 17

What are the factors that influence bone mass?

Although peak bone mass is highly dependent upon genetics, many modifiable factors can influence bone mass, such as nutrition, exercise, and certain diseases and/or medications. 16

Can bisphosphonates be used for osteoporosis?

For men with osteoporosis, pharmacological treatment with bisphosphonates is recommended; there is no preference for a specific agent. Of note, authors made this recommendation based on extrapolation of data from studies done with women because data for men are sparse. 33

What is the best medicine for osteoporosis?

It’s said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine, wrist, arm, leg, and ribs. Another osteoporosis med, raloxifene ( Evista) works like estrogen in keeping up your bone mass.

How to prevent osteoporosis?

However, there is no proof that these foods help prevent or delay osteoporosis. Exercise. Make it a habit to do weight-bearing activities such as running, walking, tennis, dancing, stair climbing, aerobics, and weightlifting. When you do this regularly, this helps your bone density, so your bones are stronger.

How often do you get denosumab shot?

It turns off the process that makes the body break down bones. You get it as a shot, once every 6 months. It may be an option for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and high risk of fracture, and when other osteoporosis medicines have not worked.

What to do if you are low on vitamin D?

If you’re very low on vitamin D, your doctor may give you a prescription for it.

How many doses of Prolia are there?

It is an antsclerostin antibody and works mainly by increasing new bone formation. A dose is given as two injections, one after another. It is limited to only 12 doses which must be administered by your doctor. There’s also a biologic drug -- denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva) -- for osteoporosis.

Can you take calcium supplements at the same time?

They can check that it won’t make it harder for your body to use any other medicines you take. Your doctor can also tell you if you need to take calcium supplements at a different time than your other medications.

Can hormone replacement therapy be used to treat osteoporosis?

But doctors don’t prescribe hormone replacement therapy to only prevent osteoporosis, due to potential health risks. In women who have been on hormone replacement therapy in the past and then stopped it, their bones start to thin again, at the same pace as during menopause. WebMD Medical Reference. Sources.

How to treat osteoporosis?

Along with a healthy diet and exercise, you can treat osteoporosis with medicines that help your bones to stay as strong as possible. Strontium for Osteoporosis. Some people say the supplement strontium improves bone health, but it’s important to consider its benefits and risks before you take it.

Can you reverse osteoporosis?

Although you can’t completely reverse osteoporosis, there are ways to manage it. Some of those methods are things you can do every day through diet and exercise. Your doctor may also recommend that you take medicine.

How to prevent osteoporosis?

Your diet and lifestyle are two important risk factors you can control to prevent osteoporosis. Replacing lost estrogen with hormone therapy also provides a strong defense against osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

What does osteoporosis mean?

The word ‘osteoporosis’ means ‘porous bone.’. It is a disease that weakens bones, and if you have it, you are at a greater risk for sudden and unexpected bone fractures. Osteoporosis means that you have less bone mass and strength. The disease often develops without any symptoms or pain, and it is usually not discovered until ...

How many fractures does osteoporosis cause?

Osteoporosis is responsible for more than two million fractures each year, and this number continues to grow. There are steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis from ever occurring. Treatments can also slow the rate of bone loss if you do have osteoporosis.

What is the condition that weakens bones?

Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain, and is not found until bones fracture. You can take steps to prevent this disease, and treatments do exist. Appointments & Access.

What is the outer shell of a bone called?

An outer shell of dense bone wraps around the spongy bone. This hard shell is called cortical bone . When osteoporosis occurs, the "holes" in the "sponge" grow larger and more numerous, which weakens the inside of the bone. Bones support the body and protect vital organs. Bones also store calcium and other minerals.

What is the inside of a healthy bone called?

Your bones are made of living, growing tissue. The inside of healthy bone looks like a sponge. This area is called trabecular bone . An outer shell of dense bone wraps around the spongy bone. This hard shell is called cortical bone.

How many people have osteoporosis?

About 200 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis throughout the world. In the U.S., the figure is about 54 million people. Although osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, women are four times more likely to develop the disease than men.

What are some exercises to help with osteoporosis?

So is regular weight-bearing exercise, such as weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing . If you have osteoporosis, avoid activities that involve twisting your spine or bending forward from the waist, such as conventional sit-ups, toe touches, or swinging a golf club.

How to contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation?

301-565-2966 (TTY ) [email protected]. www.niams.nih.gov. National Osteoporosis Foundation. 800-231-4222 (toll-free) [email protected]. www.nof.org. This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

What is a bone mineral density test?

A bone mineral density test compares your bone density to the bones of an average healthy young adult. The test result, known as a T-score, tells you how strong your bones are, whether you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, and your risk for having a fracture.

Why is osteoporosis considered a silent disease?

Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years. Bone is living tissue. To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue.

What happens to the bones in your 40s?

As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced. A close look at the inside of bone shows something like a honeycomb. When you have osteoporosis, the spaces in this honeycomb grow larger, and the bone that forms the honeycomb gets smaller. The outer shell of your bones also gets thinner.

How do you know if you have osteoporosis?

For some people, the first sign of osteoporosis is to realize they are getting shorter or to break a bone easily. Don’t wait until that happens to see if you have osteoporosis. You can have a bone density test to find out how strong your bones are.

How to keep bones strong?

To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue. Sometime around age 30, bone mass stops increasing, and the goal for bone health is to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can. As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shreenidhi Kulkarni
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment aims to slow or stop bone loss, and to improve bone density. Medications help improve bone density.
Medication

Bisphosphonates: This medication helps to prevent the bone loss. It may be taken orally or by injection.

Alendronate . Ibandronate . Zoledronic acid


Hormone therapy: Helps to prevent bone loss. Administered through injection every 6 months.

Denosumab


Hormone therapy: Helps to increase the bone density. This mimics the estrogen hormone. Usually given for women.

Raloxifene


Hormone therapy: In men this hormone therapy helps to increase the bone density.

Testosterone


Supplements: To improve bone health.

Vitamin D . Calcium supplements

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Dairy products
  • Low fat and non fat milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Fish
  • Canned sardines and salmon
  • Fatty variety fishes like tuna, mackerel
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Green beans, peas, spinach, tomato, dark green vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • Alcohol

Specialist to consult

Orthopedician
Specializes in bones and their disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Treatment

  • Treatment recommendations are often based on an estimate of your risk of breaking a bone in the next 10 years using information such as the bone density test. If your risk isn't high, treatment might not include medication and might focus instead on modifying risk factors for bone loss and falls.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Purpose

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Medical uses

  • These suggestions might help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis or breaking bones: 1. Don't smoke.Smoking increases rates of bone loss and the chance of fracture. 2. Limit alcohol.Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day may decrease bone formation. Being under the influence of alcohol also can increase your risk of falling. 3. Preve...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Your doctor might suggest bone density testing. Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for all women over age 65. Some guidelines also recommend screening men by age 70, especially if they have health issues likely to cause osteoporosis. If you have a broken bone after a minor force injury, such as a simple fall, bone density testing may be important to assess your risk of more fr…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risks

Overview

Side effects

  • Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. The FDA has approved many bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss and fractures in post-menopausal women: alendronate (brand name Fosamax), etidronate (brand name Didronel), ibandronate (brand name Boniva), risedronate (brand name Actonel), tiludronate (brand name Skelid), pamidr…
See more on nwhn.org

Benefits

  • Although many clinicians and pharma-sponsored education campaigns conflate prevention and treatment, the NWHN thinks that it is important for people considering bisphosphonates to understand how the effectiveness differs based on individuals bone health. These drugs have been shown to reduce the risk of a hip fracture in women who have been diagnosed with osteop…
See more on nwhn.org

Selected publications

  • There have been numerous reports of unusual fractures in the thighbones of otherwise healthy women that took an inordinately long time to heal. Other women experienced severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. The FDA advises patients with such pain to consider discontinuing the drug, which usually causes the pain to go away. The jaw tissue of some women taking bisphosphonat…
See more on nwhn.org

Resources

  • Denosumab (brand name Prolia) is an osteoporosis medication that uses human monoclonal antibody. Approved in 2010, this drug works by targeting and inactivating osteoclasts to stop natural bone breakdown, or resorption, processes. Denosumab is given in a subcutaneous (just below the skin) injection twice a year. This treatment is intended for women...
See more on nwhn.org

Clinical significance

  • Denosumab has proven effective at building bone density and reducing spine and hip fractures. However, it carries a risk of serious side effects. Denosumabs cellular target in bone also exists in the immune system. This has led some women taking denosumab to experience serious infections requiring hospitalization (e.g. heart infections), making this a poor option for those wi…
See more on nwhn.org

Sources

  • Exercise is another critical way to maintain healthy bones. Studies have shown that exerciseespecially weight bearing exercise regimens like walking, dancing, or runningleads to increased bone density. Tai Chi an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, deliberate movements, breathing exercises, and meditation has been shown to be one of the most effectiv…
See more on nwhn.org

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