The National Institutes of Health estimates that 18 million Americans have low bone mass and 10 million American suffer from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a preventable skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone density. Decrease bone density places an individual at greater risk for developing fractures. Osteoporosis is common in women who are postmenopausal, but also occurs in men. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include smoking, diet, low body weight and exercise habits. Steroids can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Medications that prevent further bone tissue loss and increase bone density can are available for treating osteoporosis.
Biphosophonates
Biphosphonates help increase bone density which decreases the risk of bone fractures. Biphosphonates work by slowing the digestion of bones by osteoclasts. If osteoporosis is already present, biphosophonates slow the rate of bone thinning. Biphosphonates are a good option for men, individuals with asthma, young adults and individuals with osteoporosis caused by taking steroid medication. Side effects of biphosphonates include heartburn, abdominal pain, irritation of the esophagus, headache, pain in the muscles and intestinal problems. Biphosphonates should be taken 30 minutes before a meal and sitting or standing still for 30 minutes after taking it can help prevent heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals unable to tolerate side effects may have the option of periodical biosphosophonate intravenous transfusions.
Raloxifene
Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that is only prescribed to postmenopausal women. Raloxifene slows the thinning of bone and increases bone density in the bones of the neck and spine which decreases the risk of fractures. Common side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, leg cramps and weight gain. A serious side effect of raloxifene is deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis can cause blood clots in the lungs. Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis include warmth, swelling and pain in the legs. A blood clot in the lungs can produce shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate and chest pain. A blood clot on the leg or in the lungs is a serious emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is used in women who are five years post-menopausal and in men who have normal levels of testosterone. Clacitonin is injected into muscle or fat tissue, but can also be taken as a nasal spray. Calictonin slows the thinning of bones in the hip, spine and ends of long bones. Calcitonin is not effective as biophosphonates or other treatments for osteoporosis, so it is usually taken by individuals who cannot tolerate other medications. Injections of Calcitonin can cause nausea, diarrhea and increased urination. Side effects of the nasal spray include runny nose and nasal discomfort.
Parathyroid Hormone
Teriparatide is a synthetic parathyroid hormone that stimulates new bone growth. Teriparatide can be used in both men and women and is given as daily injections. The Mayo Clinic states that teriparatide should only be taken for two years because it is relatively new and long-term effects are not known. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache and leg cramps.
Hormone Therapy
Estrogen is rarely used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Estrogen slows the rate of bone loss in women who are postmenopausal. The Woman's Health Initiative study concluded that hormone therapy has been associated with slightly increased risk of stroke, blood clots, breast cancer and ovarian cancer
