The following is information on Medications for Treating Osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, you should work with your health care provider to plan a treatment program that meets your needs. There are a variety of prescription medications available to slow bone loss and help prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis. The following medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. The FDA can also provide information on approved medications.

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, uses a combination of estrogen and other hormones to protect women from bone loss. This treatment is effective and may also protect women from heart disease. It provides the greatest benefit for the cost. Like all medications, it is not without risks. Some studies show that long-term use may increase women’s risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and hypertension, but may decrease risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Today HRT is given in lower doses around the time of menopause for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and insomnia. Recent studies have shown that there may be serious health risks associated with HRT if taken long-term. Taking HRT for bone loss should be discussed with your doctor to decide which medication is best.

Alendronate (Fosamax), a bisphosphonate, slows or stops bone loss and reduces fracture risk. It may be a good choice for women who can't, or don't want to, take HRT. To use Fosamax, you must follow strict rules. Some people find this inconvenient or have stomach pain using this medication. It can be taken daily or weekly.

Risedronate (Actonel) is also a bisphosphonate that slows or stops bone loss and reduces fracture risk. Bisphosphonates may be good choices for women who can't, or won't, take HRT. To use Actonel you must follow strict rules. Studies show that it reduces spinal fractures after just one year of treatment. Actonel is the only approved drug for the prevention of steroid-induced osteoporosis. It can be taken daily or weekly.

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Calcitonin is a hormone that helps your body use calcium. It also seems to reduce bone loss and prevent spine fractures. It is taken as a nasal spray and is easy to use. It has little or no side effects, but is considered less effective than HRT or Fosamax.

Raloxifene (Evista) prevents bone loss like a low dose of estrogen. It is an oral selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It provides the benefits of estrogens without their drawbacks. It may increase risk of blood clotting and cause hot flashes, but may reduce risk of breast cancer.

Ibandronate (Boniva), another bisphosphonate, is an oral medication used to prevent or treat osteoporosis. It may be taken daily and is also approved for monthly dosage. Strict rules must be followed when taking this drug.

Injectable bisphosphonates, etidronate, pamidronate, and zoledronate, can be used to prevent or treat osteoporosis. They may be given every three months or yearly. All bisphosphonates prevent the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts (type of cell that removes cells from the bone).

Teriparatide (Forteo) is a man-made (synthetic) form of parathyroid hormone. It is a new class of drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. It works by increasing bone mass and bone strength. It is an injectable and strict rules must be followed for its use.

If you have osteoporosis, or are at high risk for it, your health care provider can help you plan your treatment. They can help you decide the best choice of medicine. They will also review the benefits, side effects, and how these medicines interact with those you are taking for other conditions. In addition to medicine, your treatment plan should include a healthy, calcium and vitamin D-rich diet and regular physical activity that promotes healthy bones. Bone density scans before a treatment program starts, and done regularly, will show if the treatment program is working.

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