Currently there are a number of drug treatments available, which your doctor may prescribe to you for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Factors such as your age, if you smoke, have low bone density, have already broken a bone or take corticosteroid tablets will be used to determine whether you need to start a drug treatment.
The choice of treatment is a very individual one, which you should discuss with your doctor. The most common treatments aim to slow down the rate of bone loss, maintain the density of bone and, most importantly, prevent bones breaking in the future.
Calcium and vitamin D, a good calcium intake is essential throughout life for healthy bones. Calcium supplements can be bought at health food shops or your local pharmacy.
The supplement calcium and vitamin D is available in different forms but is available on prescription if your intake is extremely low, to help prevent broken bones.9
Bisphosphonates are non-hormonal drugs which work by slowing down the rate of bone loss. Alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Bonviva) and cyclical etidronate (Didronel PMO) are the four bisphosphonates currently licensed in the UK for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. They are available in tablet form – either daily, weekly or monthly. Ibandronate is also available in a three-monthly injection.10
Strontium ranelate (Protelos) is a non-hormonal drug which is thought to work by reducing bone breakdown and stimulating rebuilding of bone, therefore reducing the risk of fracture. It is available as a sachet of tasteless powder, which is mixed with water and is taken once daily.10, 1
Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) act like oestrogen in the bone and help to maintain bone density. Raloxifene (Evista), available in a daily tablet form, is currently the only SERM licensed.1
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) replaces lost oestrogen and is used to treat a variety of problems after the menopause. It can be prescribed in osteoporosis if other treatments are not suitable.10, 1
Calcitonin is a hormone treatment and works by affecting the rate of calcium loss from the bones. It is rarely used by doctors and usually only prescribed by specialists. It is available as an injection (Calsynar) or nasal spray (Miacalcic).1
Teriparatide (Forsteo) can only be prescribed to women most severely affected by spinal fractures who meet certain criteria. It works by building new bone and is given in self-administered injections daily for 18 months. It is not prescribed by GPs and is only available from specialists.1
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Last Updated 04/09/2008 14:06:00
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