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Medicines for Osteoporosis

Description

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture (break). With osteoporosis, the bones lose density. Bone density is the amount of calcified bone tissue that is in your bones.

Patient Education Video: Osteoporosis

Alternative Names

Alendronate (Fosamax); Ibandronate (Boniva); Risedronate (Actonel); Zoledronic acid (Reclast); Raloxifene (Evista); Teriparatide (Forteo); Denosumab (Prolia); Romosozumab (Evenity); Low bone density - medicines; Osteoporosis - medicines

When are Medicines Used?

Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines to help lower your risk of fractures. These medicines can make the bones in your hips, spine, and other areas less likely to break.

Osteoporosis
The bone disease osteoporosis is caused by more bone cells being resorbed than being deposited. This imbalance results in a progressive loss of bone density and a thinning of bone tissue. Osteoporotic bones are more porous and therefore more vulnerable to fracture.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines when:

  • A bone density test shows you have osteoporosis, even if you have not had a fracture before, but your fracture risk is high.
  • You have a bone fracture, and a bone density test shows you have thinner than normal bones, but not osteoporosis.
  • You have a bone fracture that occurs without any significant injury.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are the main medicines that are used to both prevent and treat bone loss. They are most often taken by mouth. You may take a pill either once a week or once a month. You also may get bisphosphonates through a vein (IV). Most often this is done once or twice a year.

Common side effects with bisphosphonates taken by mouth are heartburn, nausea, and pain in the belly. When you take bisphosphonates:

  • Take them on an empty stomach in the morning with 6 to 8 ounces (oz), or 200 to 250 milliliters (mL), of plain water (not carbonated water or juice).
  • After taking the pill, remain sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes.
  • Do not eat or drink for at least 30 to 60 minutes.

Rare side effects are:

  • Low blood calcium level
  • A certain type of leg-bone (femur) fracture
  • Damage to the jaw bone
  • Fast, abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

Your doctor may have you stop taking th