Osteoporosis

Patient Education

Patient Guide

Common Medications and Treatments for Osteoporosis

There are several different classes of drugs that treat osteoporosis. Treatment is specific to each individual. Side effects and warnings must be taken into consideration. Please read the following osteoporosis patient education guide regarding common meds and treatments prescribed by doctors.

Drug Type	How it is taken?	How it works?
Calcitonin	Taken as a daily nasal spray or injection	Retards the progression of bone loss
Zoledronic acids	Taken once a year via a 15 minute IV infusion	Improves bone strength Decreases fractures in: Hip Spine Ribs Legs Arms Wrists
Synthetic parathyroid hormones	Self-injected daily for 24 months	Stimulates new bone formation Increases BMD (bone mineral density) Used for those at high risk of fracture
Hormonal Replacement Therapies (estrogen & progesterone)	Daily oral dose of estrogen alone or with progesterone, or through a vaginal insert or dermal patch	Used for bone loss prevention as well as treatment Decreases the incidence of fractures
Monoclonal Antibodies	One injection is given subcutaneously (just under the skin) of the upper arm, abdomen or upper thigh once every 6 months.	Deactivates the mechanism to breakdown bone First biological therapy Used when other treatments failed Used in those with high risk for fracture