Treatment of Osteoporosis: Medications Treatment of osteoporosis is a long and time-consuming process. The main role in the treatment of the disease is played by drugs that prevent and slow down the loss of bone tissue. This is especially necessary in old age.

Treatment of osteoporosis: medicines

Treat osteoporosis with medications. Most drugs slow the rate at which the bones are reabsorbed. For greater effect, so that the drugs are better absorbed, it is necessary to perform physical exercises. To date, there is a large selection of drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, it all depends on what caused the disease. This may be a violation of the hormonal background, the endocrine system, etc. In general, doctors prescribe calcium, bisphosphonates, estrogen. The following are the drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, their benefits and side effects. Which drug is right for you, your doctor must decide.

Estrogen ( with or without progesterone) - increases the density of bone tissue and reduces the risk of fractures, slows down bone loss, increases the body's ability to absorb calcium, and reduces the amount of calcium in the urine. Estrogen alone can increase a woman's risk of developing cancer in her uterine lining( endometrial cancer), so many doctors prescribe a combination of estrogen and progesterone. However, studies show that this combination increases the risk in women of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, strokes and heart attacks. Talk with your doctor to get a clear idea of ​​the risks and benefits of estrogen. Nevertheless, there are other options for treating osteoporosis.

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Alendronate ( Fosamax), ibandronate ( Boniva), risedronate ( Actonel) and zoledronic acid ( Reclast) - these drugs belong to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. These drugs increase bone density, slow or stop bone loss, reduce the risk of fractures. Side effects are rare, but may include abdominal pain and heartburn. Reclast is administered intravenously.

Raloxifene ( Evista) - a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modifiers, prevents loss of bone mass, but does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Side effects may include the formation of blood clots. This drug should not be used before the onset of menopause.

Calcitonin - does not improve bone density, but slows its loss, reduces spinal fractures and relieves pain associated with bone fractures. An alternative for women who can not take estrogen or bisphosphonates.

Parathyroid hormone ( Forteo) - used in small doses, this drug can increase the formation of bone mass. It is taken only in the form of injections. Very often prescribed for women in the postmenopausal period and for men to reduce the risk of fractures. It is not used for children.

Surgery

Kyphoplasty - this procedure is used to treat kyphosis, deformity of the spine, sometimes caused by osteoporosis.