Bisphosphonates — Bisphosphonates are medications that slow the breakdown and removal of bone (ie, resorption). They are widely used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
Romosozumab (Evenity).
This is the newest bone-building medication to treat osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office and is limited to one year of treatment.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first line of treatment for osteoporosis. That means your healthcare provider would probably prescribe Fosamax, Boniva, or another bisphosphonate before prescribing Prolia. Fosamax is only available in pill form, but Boniva is available as a pill or a shot.
Bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are a type of medicine that can slow bone loss, improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates are often the first type of medicine that doctors prescribe for confirmed osteoporosis in women who have been through menopause and men older than 50 years of age.
In a trial comparing Prolia to Fosamax, those taking Prolia showed a slightly greater improvement in bone density after one year. That's not to say Prolia is for everyone. Like Fosamax, it can occasionally lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fractures.
Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®.
Other bisphosphonates besides Reclast: Examples of others include ibandronate (Boniva) and alendronate (Fosamax). Raloxifene (Evista): Raloxifene changes the way your body processes estrogen, and is therefore used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women after menopause.
They include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, playing tennis, yoga and dancing. Resistance exercises – such as lifting weights – can also strengthen bones.”
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.
Natural treatment of osteoporosis can include exercise, dietary changes, quitting smoking, and lowering alcohol caffeine intake. Supplementation of vitamin D and exposure to sunlight can also improve bone health. Such lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and promote bone health and overall good health.
Vitamin D plays an important role in protecting your bones, both by helping your body absorb calcium and by supporting muscles needed to avoid falls. Children need vitamin D to build strong bones, and adults need it to keep their bones strong and healthy.
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.
Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, and even walking, help the body resist gravity and stimulate bone cells to grow. Strength-training builds muscles which also increases bone strength.
Zoledronic acid is given once a year as an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat osteoporosis. It is also given every two years as an IV infusion to prevent osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid increases bone density and reduces the incidence of the spine and non-spine fractures, including hip fractures.
Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph. D. Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.
Regular exercise is essential. Adults aged 19 to 64 should do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week. Weight-bearing exercise and resistance exercise are particularly important for improving bone density and helping to prevent osteoporosis.
This drug has a long list of side effects and it's also important to note that long-term risks are unknown. The FDA Medication Guide lists the potential health problems, which include serious infections, thighbone fractures, and jaw bone problems. It is unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks.