Several medicines can cause bone loss if used over the long term (several years). Some common ones include: Glucocorticoids, also called steroids, such as cortisone and prednisone.
Many drugs can affect bone metabolism. As examples, heparin, warfarin, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, medroxyprogesterone acetate, cancer drugs, and thyroid hormone can cause bone loss, whereas thiazide diuretics can minimize bone loss [1,2]. This topic will review the skeletal effects of some of these drugs.
However, they are detrimental to bone health. Common examples of these drugs include tamoxifen (Nolvadex), femara (Letrozole), anastrozole (Arimidex), and exemestane (Aromasin). These can cause bone loss and bone fragility, predisposing patients to fractures.
While glucocorticoids (GCs) are most commonly associated with drug-induced osteoporosis, the use of several other therapeutic agents increase the risk of significant bone loss and fracture.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.
Bisphosphonates. For both men and women at increased risk of fracture, the most widely prescribed osteoporosis medications are bisphosphonates.
You need sufficient calcium to keep your bones healthy and vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.
The short answer is no, osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed and is not considered curable, but there are a number of health and lifestyle adjustments you can make to improve bone loss. Your provider may also prescribe you medications to help rebuild and slow down bone loss.
Studies indicate that excess vitamin A stored in the body may increase the risk of reduced bone mineral density and lead to osteoporosis. For women, 700 micrograms (mcg), or 2,330 international units (IU) of vitamin A are recommended a day. For men, the daily recommendation is 900 mcg, or 3,000 IU.
Antihypertensive drugs impact osteoporosis directly and indirectly by affecting bone metabolism, strength and density (3). Meta- and epidemiological analyses of national databases illustrate an association between antihypertensive drugs and bone function (4-7).
Ibandronate (Boniva™) Zoledronic acid (Reclast™) Denosumab (Prolia™) Estrogen therapy or hormone therapy.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
You can prevent bone loss with regular exercise, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis or fragile bones, regular brisk walking can help to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of a fracture in the future.
Weight-bearing aerobic activities
Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones. It contributes to increased bone density and helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Calcium carbonate, found in over-the-counter antacids, is a cheap and effective calcium source. However, antacids may also contain aluminum, sodium or sugar, which could be an issue for some patients. Calcium citrate is slightly more expensive, but it is more easily absorbed by the body, especially in older people.
Vitamin D supplementation may decrease bone turnover and increase bone mineral density. Several randomized placebo-controlled trials with vitamin D and calcium showed a significant decrease in fracture incidence. However, very high doses of vitamin D once per year may have adverse effects.
You cannot reverse bone loss on your own without medications, but there are many lifestyle modifications you can make to stop more bone loss from occurring.