Common Medications
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The word osteoporosis literally means porous bone. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak or brittle because the body is either making too little bone, losing too much bone, or both. Weak bones are more likely to break. As a result, people with osteoporosis are at high risk of breaking their bones from falls. In severe cases, even minor stresses like sneezing, coughing, bumping into something, or bending over can cause a fracture. Fractures related to osteoporosis occur most often in the spine, hip, and wrist.
Osteoporosis is common in the United States. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass putting them at risk of osteoporosis. In people over the age of 50, approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Fractures as a result of osteoporosis can have serious implications, especially in older individuals. They can lead to stooping or hunching, loss of height, loss of mobility, and loss of independence, which can lead to isolation and depression. Many patients with osteoporotic fractures require long-term care in nursing homes.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease in that you don’t feel your bones weakening. The first sign of the disease is often a stress fracture. If you have symptoms such as back pain, loss of height, stooping, or a bone that broke more easily than expected, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Doctors can do a bone density test to diagnose osteoporosis. Based on the results of this test, treatment can be started.
Medications for Osteoporosis
Doctors treat osteoporosis based on bone density test results as well as something called a FRAX score, which estimates the probability of an osteoporosis-related fracture in the next 10 years based on your risk factors. The following are some of the medications used to treat osteoporosis in high-risk individuals.
Bisphosphonates: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for osteoporosis. Examples include alendronate (Fosamax, Binosto), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), and zoledronic acid (Zometa, Reclast). Bisphosphonates work by suppressing the breakdown of bone. They are available as tablets or injections. These medications take 6-12 months to work and you may need to take them for 5 years or more.
Monoclonal antibodies like denosumab (Xgeva, Prolia) work by preventing the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that resorb or break down bone. These medications can be delivered via injection every 6 months.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene (Evista) work by mimicking the effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women. SERMs are not associated with some of the risks of estrogen replacement. Taking raloxifene can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. The medication is taken as a daily tablet.
Parathyroid hormone analogs like teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) work by stimulating the growth of new bone. They are given via a daily shot under the skin. These medications are limited to 2 years of treatment, followed by other osteoporosis drugs.
Sclerostin inhibitor romosozumab (Evenity) is an anabolic agent. It is given by injection in the doctor’s office every month.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Osteoporosis
Calcium is the main mineral in bones and is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It can be difficult to get enough calcium and vitamin D from food sources alone. Over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements are good for filling the gap. Most adults need between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium daily and 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily. However, it is recommended that you talk to a healthcare provider to determine your individual needs for calcium and vitamin D.
Common Side Effects of Osteoporosis Medications
Possible side effects of oral bisphosphonates include stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. The side effects are less likely when the medications are taken properly, i.e., on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. You should stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication and avoid eating or drinking anything for up to 2 hours after taking the bisphosphonate. Injectable bisphosphonates can cause fever, muscle aches, and headaches for 2-3 days after the injection.
A rare side effect of bisphosphonates and denosumab is osteonecrosis of the jaw (poor healing of the jawbone after a dental procedure like tooth removal). Patients who are taking these osteoporosis medications should have regular dental checkups and should inform their dentist that they are being treated with these drugs.
Potential side effects of raloxifene include hot flashes, leg cramps, and an increased risk of blood clots.
Common side effects of teriparatide (Forteo) include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, joint pain, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Common Questions
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Your age, gender, and race are non-modifiable risk factors. Older people, Asians and Caucasians, and women are at greater risk of osteoporosis. A family history of osteoporosis in a parent or sibling also puts you at greater risk. There are some modifiable risk factors as well, including a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and smoking. Staying active, drinking in moderation, and stopping smoking can reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Other things that can influence your risk of osteoporosis include hormone levels, diet, medications (bone loss is a side effect of some drugs), and medical conditions (the risk of osteoporosis is higher in people with certain medical conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, cancer, lupus, kidney/liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple myeloma).
How can I reduce my risk of getting osteoporosis?
The easiest ways to keep your bones healthy throughout life are good nutrition and exercise. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, ensuring you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet or supplements, and regular exercise can help build strong bones and slow bone loss as you age.
Can I get a discount on osteoporosis medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including osteoporosis treatments—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351974
3. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=9
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2667901/
5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/treatment/
6. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/125320s007lbl.pdf
Common Osteoporosis Health Medications
Osteoporosis
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter osteoporosis drugs.
The word osteoporosis literally means porous bone. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak or brittle because the body is either making too little bone, losing too much bone, or both. Weak bones are more likely to break. As a result, people with osteoporosis are at high risk of breaking their bones from falls. In severe cases, even minor stresses like sneezing, coughing, bumping into something, or bending over can cause a fracture. Fractures related to osteoporosis occur most often in the spine, hip, and wrist.
Osteoporosis is common in the United States. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass putting them at risk of osteoporosis. In people over the age of 50, approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Fractures as a result of osteoporosis can have serious implications, especially in older individuals. They can lead to stooping or hunching, loss of height, loss of mobility, and loss of independence, which can lead to isolation and depression. Many patients with osteoporotic fractures require long-term care in nursing homes.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease in that you don’t feel your bones weakening. The first sign of the disease is often a stress fracture. If you have symptoms such as back pain, loss of height, stooping, or a bone that broke more easily than expected, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Doctors can do a bone density test to diagnose osteoporosis. Based on the results of this test, treatment can be started.
Medications for Osteoporosis
Doctors treat osteoporosis based on bone density test results as well as something called a FRAX score, which estimates the probability of an osteoporosis-related fracture in the next 10 years based on your risk factors. The following are some of the medications used to treat osteoporosis in high-risk individuals.
Bisphosphonates: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for osteoporosis. Examples include alendronate (Fosamax, Binosto), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), and zoledronic acid (Zometa, Reclast). Bisphosphonates work by suppressing the breakdown of bone. They are available as tablets or injections. These medications take 6-12 months to work and you may need to take them for 5 years or more.
Monoclonal antibodies like denosumab (Xgeva, Prolia) work by preventing the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that resorb or break down bone. These medications can be delivered via injection every 6 months.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene (Evista) work by mimicking the effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women. SERMs are not associated with some of the risks of estrogen replacement. Taking raloxifene can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. The medication is taken as a daily tablet.
Parathyroid hormone analogs like teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) work by stimulating the growth of new bone. They are given via a daily shot under the skin. These medications are limited to 2 years of treatment, followed by other osteoporosis drugs.
Sclerostin inhibitor romosozumab (Evenity) is an anabolic agent. It is given by injection in the doctor’s office every month.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Osteoporosis
Calcium is the main mineral in bones and is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It can be difficult to get enough calcium and vitamin D from food sources alone. Over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements are good for filling the gap. Most adults need between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium daily and 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily. However, it is recommended that you talk to a healthcare provider to determine your individual needs for calcium and vitamin D.
Common Side Effects of Osteoporosis Medications
Possible side effects of oral bisphosphonates include stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. The side effects are less likely when the medications are taken properly, i.e., on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. You should stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication and avoid eating or drinking anything for up to 2 hours after taking the bisphosphonate. Injectable bisphosphonates can cause fever, muscle aches, and headaches for 2-3 days after the injection.
A rare side effect of bisphosphonates and denosumab is osteonecrosis of the jaw (poor healing of the jawbone after a dental procedure like tooth removal). Patients who are taking these osteoporosis medications should have regular dental checkups and should inform their dentist that they are being treated with these drugs.
Potential side effects of raloxifene include hot flashes, leg cramps, and an increased risk of blood clots.
Common side effects of teriparatide (Forteo) include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, joint pain, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Common Questions
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Your age, gender, and race are non-modifiable risk factors. Older people, Asians and Caucasians, and women are at greater risk of osteoporosis. A family history of osteoporosis in a parent or sibling also puts you at greater risk. There are some modifiable risk factors as well, including a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and smoking. Staying active, drinking in moderation, and stopping smoking can reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Other things that can influence your risk of osteoporosis include hormone levels, diet, medications (bone loss is a side effect of some drugs), and medical conditions (the risk of osteoporosis is higher in people with certain medical conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, cancer, lupus, kidney/liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple myeloma).
How can I reduce my risk of getting osteoporosis?
The easiest ways to keep your bones healthy throughout life are good nutrition and exercise. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, ensuring you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet or supplements, and regular exercise can help build strong bones and slow bone loss as you age.
Can I get a discount on osteoporosis medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including osteoporosis treatments—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351974
3. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=9
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2667901/
5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/treatment/
6. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/125320s007lbl.pdf
Common Osteoporosis Health Medications
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