Osteoporosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Bone-building exercise	Bone density scan	Calcium benefit	Calcium source
Changes in spine with age	Hip fracture	Osteoporosis	Osteoporosis
Vitamin D source

Thin bones

Treatments for osteoporosis focus on slowing down or stopping bone loss, preventing bone fractures by minimizing the risk of falls, and controlling pain associated with the disease.

There are several different kinds of drugs used to treat osteoporosis. They vary in their side effects, benefits, and costs.

BISPHOSPHONATES

Bisphosphonates are a type of drug used for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The two bisphosphonates currently approved for osteoporosis -- alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) -- prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of spinal and hip fractures.

While side effects are generally mild, potential side effects include stomach upset and irritation of the esophagus. Because bisphosphonates are difficult to absorb, these medicines should be taken on an empty stomach. The patient should not lie down or consume food or beverages (other than water) for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine. The doctor may also recommend taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Actonel is approved for use in men with osteoporosis. Both Actonel and Fosamax prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women taking daily steroids for chronic conditions like asthma and arthritis.

RALOXIFENE

Raloxifene (Evista) is another drug used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Raloxifene is similar to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Raloxifene can reduce the risk of spinal fractures by almost 50%. (It does not appear to prevent other fractures, including those in the hip.) It may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer, though more studies are required.

The most serious side effect of raloxifene is a very small risk of blood clots in the leg veins (deep venous thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

A woman's body produces less estrogen during and after menopause, which may affect her bone strength. Based on early studies, many physicians used to believe that HRT might be beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease and bone fractures caused by osteoporosis in addition to treating menopausal symptoms. The results of a new study, called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), has led physicians to revise their recommendations regarding HRT.