Osteoporosis
Dealing with Osteoporosis
Many people can manage osteoporosis by changing their lifestyle. See how you can help yourself by visiting the wider health section.
However, if your doctor recommends medication, taking this as prescribed is really important as this treatment can reduce fracture risk by about 50%.
Medication
Drug treatments to reduce risk of fractures
The treatment of osteoporosis depends on a number of factors including your age, sex, medical history and which bones you have broken. Osteoporosis drug treatments aim to strengthen existing bone, to help prevent further bone loss and, most importantly, reduce the risk of broken bones. These treatments won’t help with pain. Please talk to your GP about managing your pain with medication.
The following are the main drug treatments for osteoporosis:
- Bisphosphonates
Alendronic acid / alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Bonviva) and zoledronic acid (Aclasta) – Available in tablet form on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Ibandronate is also given as a three monthly injection. Zoledronic acid is given as a yearly infusion via a drip in the arm.
2. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
Raloxifene (Evista) – Prescribed to reduce the risk of spinal fractures in women after the menopause. Strontium ranelate (Protelos) Appears to affect both cells that build bone and those that break it down thus reducing the risk of hip and spinal fracture. It is unclear how this works to reduce the risk of broken bones. It comes in powder form that is mixed in water and taken daily and has been recently restricted to those without heart problems and for whom there are no alternative treatments.
Denosumab (Prolia) – Given as an injection under the skin twice a year.
3. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment
Teriparatide (Forsteo), Preotact – Prescribed to reduce the risk of spinal fracture. The drugs are self administered as daily injections, given over a period of 18-24 months. They are only available from specialists and are generally prescribed to those who have suffered a number of spinal fractures.
For further information, please visit the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s website.