Osteoporosis is a serious health condition characterized by the extreme weakening of the bones as a result of gradual decrease in bone mineral density, health experts say. Prescription for bone drugs, or bisphosphonates, are often received by patients as means of keeping crippling fractures at bay. However, as side effects may be imminent in every medication, some people suffering from osteoporosis may prefer different forms of osteoporosis therapy, to potentially minimize their chances of adverse events.
Although there are numerous natural therapies including calcium or vitamin D supplementation that are being utilized in an osteoporosis treatment plan, medical experts highlight how these do not take the place of medications. In situations wherein bisphosphonates may not be administered, there are other types of bone drugs that may also be utilized.
Contrary to bisphosphonates or antiresorptive drugs that work on stalling bone breakdown, anabolic medications are bone-strengthening drugs that are known to stimulate bone growth by enhancing the activity of bone cells responsible for bone production (osteoblasts). Forteo, otherwise known as teriparatide, is the only human parathyroid hormone (PTH) type of anabolic medication that gained approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration. The medication may be self-administered through injection daily.
The rate of bone loss is substantially increased as a woman enters menopause, health experts say. Because of the plummeting levels of estrogen during and after the menopausal phase, women are especially susceptible to osteoporosis and higher risk of fractures. In preventing or treating osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to be the mainstay therapy in possibly minimizing the risks of other health concerns that may be brought about by menopause. However, the number of women who wish to utilize HRT may have declined as results from previous researches revealed how the benefits may be outnumbered by the therapy’s potential risks.
Calcitonin, a different type of anti-bone degeneration drug, is often recommended to women who have been on their postmenopausal phase for five years or longer, and prescribed to men who may not be receiving any therapeutic effects from testosterone treatment. As with how antiresorptive formulations act, it works by slowing down the rate of bone thinning, thereby lowering the risk of fractures. They may also be used as relief from fracture-related pain caused by osteoporosis. Examples of calcitonin drugs include Miacalcin and Fortical.
Despite the lack of cure for osteoporosis, various forms of therapies are available that may help the progress of a patient’s treatment. Aside from medications, health experts note the significance of healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and regular exercise for maintained and better bone health.
Sources:
livestrong.com/article/119727-nonbisphosphonate-medications-treatment-osteoporosis/
courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opbis.html
health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Update_on_osteoporosis_drugs.htm
sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522210018.htm
webmd.com/osteoporosis/calcitonin-for-osteoporosis
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