Bone density refers to bone mass. In certain bone diseases, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia, the bone begins to break down and no more bone is built up. Osteoporosis is more severe than osteopenia, as osteoporosis makes individuals more susceptible to fractures. Manifestations of decreased bone density include bone pain and height loss. Certain drugs increase bone density.
Ibandronate
According to Drugs.com, ibandronate is a bisphosphonate medication used to increase bone mass and slow bone loss. Ibandronate's mild side effects include back pain, redness or swelling, a headache, back pain, stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea and the flu. Its more serious effects include chest pain, worsened heartburn and muscle pain.
Drugs.com says that ibandronate users may develop bone loss of the jaw. This is medically called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Jaw pain, swelling, loose teeth and gum infections characterize this condition.
Ibandronate is a tablet that should be taken one hour prior to eating or taking other drugs. A change in the ibandronate dose may be needed if you have kidney disease, a stomach or esophageal ulcer and vitamin D deficiency, according to Drugs.com.
Alendronate
Like ibandronate, alendronate is also a bisphosphonate drug used to increase bone mass. Alendronate's side effects include nausea, dizziness, joint or hand swelling, constipation and diarrhea. A fever, blistering skin, eye pain, poor jaw healing, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, itching and black or bloody stools are alendronate's other side effects.
Taking alendronate with ibuprofen, naproxen, chemotherapy medications, oral steroids and methylprednisone may necessitate a dose adjustment to prevent any side effects.
MedlinePlus says alendronate is a tablet that must be taken in the morning and prior to eating. Swallow the tablet whole and do not tamper with it by crushing, chewing or sucking on it.
Teriparatide
The National Library of Medicine says teriparatide is used to prevent bone fractures in postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. In men, teriparatide is used to increase bone mass in those suffering with osteoporosis.
Teriparatide's side effects include generalized pain, a headache, weakness, neck pain, high blood pressure and fainting (syncope). Teriparatide can also cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sweating (diaphoresis) and a rash. The National Library of Medicine says teriparatide can increase the risk for developing osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
Teriparatide is given as an injection. The typical dose is 20mcg given subcutaneously (under the skin) once a day.
