Osteoporosis refers to a medical condition in which the bones thin and lose density. MedlinePlus says that common signs of osteoporosis include bone tenderness or bone pain, neck pain, bone fractures and low back pain. This condition can also lead to a loss of height and a stooped posture (kyphosis). Fortunately, generic drugs for osteoporosis exist to manage these symptoms.
Alendronate
Alendronate, commonly sold as Fosamax, is a medication specifically designed to manage osteoporosis. Drugs.com says that this medication belongs to a class of medicines known as bisphosphonates. It works to slow the breakdown of bone and increase bone mass.
Alendronate's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, joint pain or joint swelling, back pain and dizziness. This medication can also lead to a headache, weakness, swelling of the feet or hands and constipation. Call a doctor when alendronate's less serious effects remain for greater than a week.
Alendronate's serious effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, muscle or bone pain, worsening heartburn or chest pain. Go to the local emergency room when this drug leads to these serious effects.
A reducation in alendronate's dose may be necessary when someone is suffering from such diseases as kidney disease, a stomach or esophageal ulcer, vitamin D deficiency and low calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
Alendronate is a tablet taken once a day or once a week as prescribed.
Zolendronic Acid
Zolendronic acid, commonly sold as Reclast, specifically treats postmenopausal women who suffer from osteoporosis. Drugs.com says that this medication is also a bisphosphonate that works to reduce bone breakdown.
Zolendronic acid's common side effects include dizziness, a headache, diarrhea, itching, redness and pain at the injection site. This medication can also lead to stomach pain, nausea and weakness. Call a physician when zolendronic acid's common effects remain for greater than a week.
Zolendronic acid's serious effects include trouble breathing, chest tightness, bone, joint or muscle pain and swelling of the feet, hands or ankles. This medication can also lead to an irregular heartbeat, mood changes and eye pain or eye redness. Notify a doctor when zolendronic acid leads to these effects.
Zolendronic acid may interact with such medications as prednisone, gentamicin, furosemide or cyclosporine.
Typically, a medical professional will administer this medication as an injection at a hospital, clinic or office. A doctor will prescribe the frequency of these injections.
Raloxifene
Raloxifene, commonly sold as Keoxifene, is yet another medication used to manage osteoporosis. MedlinePlus indicates that raloxifene belongs to a class of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators. It works to act like the female hormone estrogen and increase bone density.
Raloxifene's less concerning effects include hot flashes, leg cramps, difficulty falling asleep, sweating and joint pain. Sometimes, this drug can also lead to flu-like symptoms and joint pain. Notify a physician when raloxifen's effects remain for more than a week.
Raloxifene can also increase a person's risk for developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). Signs of blood clots in the leg include leg pain and swelling of the feet, hands or legs. Signs of blood clots in the lungs include shortness of breath, sudden chest pain, blurry vision and coughing up blood. Go to the emergency room immediately when you experience any of these symptoms.
A change in raloxifene's dose may be needed when taking such medications as diazepam, colestipol, warfarin or cholestyramine.
Raloxifene is a tablet taken daily.
