Health Blurbs

Currently, several drugs have been approved for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk by decreasing bone-dissolving cell activity. And for some it also increases their bone density. Examples of this class of drugs are:

• alendronate
• risedronate
• ibandronate
• zoledronic acid

Some side effects you may experience while taking bisphosphonates orally include:

• nausea
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• muscle, bone, joint pain

Some side effects you may experience while taking bisphosphonates intravenously include:

• fever
• headaches
• muscle/joint pain

Reportedly, these symptoms typically subside within a couple of days.

Raloxifene
Reloxifene is used for postmenopausal women. It is a nonhormonal drug that has an estrogen-like effect by slowing bone loss and reducing fracture risk in your spine. However, no effect on hip fractures has been documented. Side effects may include:

• hot flashes
• increased risk of blood clots

Calcitonin
Calcitonin is used as a daily nasal spray or injection by women who are at least 5 years post menopause. It is a thyroid producing hormone that slows bone loss and reduces the risk of spine fractures. This drug treatment has no reported serious side effects.

Teriparatide
Teriparatide is a type of human parathyroid hormone that stimulates new bone formation. It increases bone tissue and bone strength, and has been shown to reduce the risk fractures. Some experience:

• dizziness
• leg cramps

Estrogen
Estrogen is used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. And the lowest effective dose for the shortest period should only be considered for those with a significant risk of osteoporosis. Recent evidence indicates that taking estrogen increases the risk of:

• strokes
• blood clots
• breast cancer
• heart attacks

Therefore, other nonestrogen medications should be considered first.

Presently, additional treatments for bone health are being explored, such as:

• phytoestrogens
• nutrients like vitamin K
• testosterone injections
• electromagnetic therapy

Also, genetics and environment roles in the development of osteoporosis are being analyzed.

• About Osteoporosis Treatment, Symptoms, Causes and Prevention
• Osteoporosis: Why Exercise and Calcium is Important for Teenage Girls
• About Bone Diseases, Bone Marrow Diseases and Disorders Causes Bone Problems
• Why Calcium is Important for Maintaining Good Health and Preventing Osteoporosis
• Hypercalcemia Main Cause is Hyperparathyroidism and Primary Hypercalcemia Symptoms for Treatment