Osteoporosis is a chronic medical condition in which the bones are weakened. The Mayo Clinic indicates that symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, a gradual loss of height, a stooping posture or a fracture of the vertebra, wrist or hip. Some risk factors for developing osteoporosis include having a low calcium intake or taking too many corticosteroid medications such as prednisone. Fortunately, some common drugs used for osteoporosis exist.
Ibandronate
Ibandronate, commonly sold as Boniva, is a medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. MedlinePlus says that it belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates that increase bone density and prevent the bones from breaking down. Ibandronate's less serious side effects include a headache, hives, diarrhea, stomach pain, a sore throat and a fever. Some of its serious side effects include trouble swallowing, swollen gums, chest pain and a rash. Phone a doctor when ibandronate leads to these symptoms. Taking such medications as naproxen, ibuprofen and methylprednisolone may require a decrease in ibandronate's dose. This medication is a tablet taken daily.
Raloxifene
Raloxifene, commonly sold as Evista, is another medication that treats and prevents osteoporosis. Drugs.com states that raloxifene specifically treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene's less serious side effects include joint or leg pain, hot flashes, a headache and increased sweating. Raloxifene's serious side effects include vomiting, a sore throat, chills, breast pain and severe lower back pain. Notify a doctor when raloxifene leads to these effects. Suffering from such diseases as high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease and a stroke may require a decrease in raloxifene's dose. Raloxifene is a tablet taken daily.
Teriparatide
Teriparatide, commonly sold as Forteo, a medication that treats osteoporosis in women and men with bone cancer. Drugs.com states that teriparatide also increases bone density and increases bone strength. Teriparatide's less concerning side effects include dizziness, a cough, a sore throat, constipation and diarrhea. Some of teriparatide's serious side effects include a pounding or fast heartbeat, fainting and lightheadedness. Phone a doctor when teriparatide leads to these effects. Suffering from bone cancer, kidney stones and osteoporosis may require a decrease in teriparatide's dose. This medication is an injection taken daily or as prescribed.
