Osteoporosis Medications

There are many medication options for osteoporosis treatment (besides bisphosphonates) that may be recommended to you to prevent fractures and bone loss. While each medication causes some side effects, the benefits outweigh the risks. Based on your health, age, condition, and medical history your doctor decides what medicine suits you for osteoporosis treatment. In case you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects inform your doctor so that they can help you manage those side effects by changing your medications.

Learn about different medication options for osteoporosis treatment in this article.

  • Raloxifene: This medicine is known for breast cancer prevention and treatment, which also serves well in treating and preventing osteoporosis. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which uses estrogen receptors around the body to produce estrogen-like effects to decrease bone turnover. For people with osteoporosis of the spine, it can reduce the risk of vertebral fractures. Its main side effects are hot flashes, muscle pain, and the most serious side effect is formation of blood clots in the leg or lungs.
  • Teriparatide: This is a synthetic version of parathyroid hormone that increases bone density and strength. It can reduce the risk of fractures, specifically of the spine and other bones. It is a good option for someone who has extremely low bone density and is susceptible to vertebral fractures. Doctors recommend this particular medicine for people who switch bisphosphonate to maintain bone density after 2 years. It is given in the form of a daily injection.
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This medicine is also amazingly effective in preventing or treating osteoporosis. However, it may cause heart disease, breast cancer, and blood clots. It still can be a good option for many women around 50 to 60 years old. And if you’re already taking estrogen, then make sure you discuss the risks and benefits as well.
  • Romosozumab: This medicine is recommended for women who have severe osteoporosis after a fragility fracture. It works by blocking a hormone pathway in bone called sclerostin, a protein that inhibits bone formation. It is injected once a month by using two separate prefilled syringes for a full dose. It should be taken for one year because its bone-making activity starts weaning after 12 months.
  • Calcitonin: This is the oldest osteoporosis drug used to slow the rate of bone loss. It is given through nasal spray or by injection. It can reduce spinal fractures, but it hasn’t shown effectiveness in preventing other types of fractures and that’s why it’s not a first-line treatment medication.

When to call a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or side effects after taking osteoporosis medication. It includes:

  • Chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Swallowing problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Skin rash
  • Pain in your jaw
  • Pain in your thigh or hip
  • Swelling, pain, or redness in one of your legs.
  • Blood in your stool

If you have osteoporosis, then come to us; our endocrinologists will diagnose your condition and treat it accordingly so that you can live a better life. Visit our endocrinology clinic in Brooklyn for professional help. Call us on +1-347-384-5690 and get answers to all your queries. Log on to  www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.