Side Effects Of Osteoporosis Medications

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, osteoporosis affects approximately 44 million people. Osteoporosis, called porous bone disease, accounts for 1.5 million fractures each year. Osteoporosis is not curable, but there are medications to slow bone loss that are available by prescription. Even though these medications slow bone loss, several side effects can occur.

Biophosphonates

The most widely used drugs to treat osteoporosis are biophosphonates, which are anti-resorptive medications that stop the natural process of dissolving bone tissue. The prescription names for biophosphonates are Boniva and Reclast. Each medication is designed to stimulate bone-forming cells and reduces fractures. Boniva is a once-a-month pill and Reclast is an annual injection.
Dr. James Balch, in "Prescription for Drug Alternatives," writes caution must be taken with biophosphonates, as there is a higher prevalence to visual disturbances.
According to Drugs.com, Boniva and Reclast side effects are similar in many cases, and can consist of muscle spasms and weakness. Boniva side effects include pain in the chest, legs or jaw and severe heartburn and pain while swallowing. Side effects of Reclast are urinating frequently and flu-like symptoms. Emergency medical care must be taken if an allergic reaction appears, which includes difficulty breathing and any swelling of the mouth or throat.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

One approved selective estrogen receptor modulator drug, or SERM, is Evista, which is a hormone therapy that regulates the formation and resorption of bone. Loss of estrogen is shown to lead to osteoporosis. Evista binds with the estrogen in the body and stimulates estrogen-like action in bone tissue.
According to Drugs.com, side effects are due to increased estrogen and include hot flashes and weight gain. Additional side effects are leg cramps, muscle pain and sinusitis. Evista also includes a caution regarding deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which is common in the first months of use.

Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone, regulates the amount of blood calcium. Two calcitonin medications are used for osteoporosis: Fortical, a nasal spray, and Miacalcin, an injection. Both are made from salmon bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
Severe reactions appear in individuals allergic to calcitonin. Side effects with both Fortical and Miacalcin are nausea and redness or irritation of the nose or injection site. Fortical causes a runny nose and nosebleeds as well as headaches. Miacalcin can cause stomach upset.

Parathyroid Hormone

Forteo, the only approved parathyroid hormone therapy, maintains calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. The once-a-day injection stimulates bone growth. Forteo use in both men and women shows success in bone increase.
According to Balch and Drugs.com, Forteo's side effects include dizziness and incoherency and should be avoided prior to driving. Severe reactions such as chest pain and vomiting occur infrequently, but call your doctor immediately if either side effect occurs.