Bisphosphonates are often the first type of medicine that doctors prescribe for confirmed osteoporosis in women who have been through menopause and men older than 50 years of age. Doctors usually recommend treatment with oral bisphosphonates for at least 5 years. Extended treatment may be recommended in some cases.
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.
Bisphosphonates. For both men and women at increased risk of fracture, the most widely prescribed osteoporosis medications are bisphosphonates.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, and even walking, help the body resist gravity and stimulate bone cells to grow. Strength-training builds muscles which also increases bone strength.
You can reverse the loss of bone density with medical therapies that may slow, maintain, or even increase your bone density. Your doctor may recommend taking certain medications to prevent or treat bone loss, and some may even help you rebuild bone density.
Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®.
Zoledronic acid is given once a year as an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat osteoporosis. It is also given every two years as an IV infusion to prevent osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid increases bone density and reduces the incidence of the spine and non-spine fractures, including hip fractures.
Calcium carbonate, found in over-the-counter antacids, is a cheap and effective calcium source. However, antacids may also contain aluminum, sodium or sugar, which could be an issue for some patients. Calcium citrate is slightly more expensive, but it is more easily absorbed by the body, especially in older people.
Nonpharmacologic interventions include calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, muscle strengthening, and fall prevention.
Fractures Prevented Vastly Outnumber Serious Side Effects
Depending on the body part (whether it's the spine or the hip or another bone in the body), taking an osteoporosis medication will reduce the chances of fracture anywhere from 50 to 70 percent — a substantial reduction in risk, says Khosla.
They include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, playing tennis, yoga and dancing. Resistance exercises – such as lifting weights – can also strengthen bones.”
Natural treatment of osteoporosis can include exercise, dietary changes, quitting smoking, and lowering alcohol caffeine intake. Supplementation of vitamin D and exposure to sunlight can also improve bone health. Such lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and promote bone health and overall good health.
In a trial comparing Prolia to Fosamax, those taking Prolia showed a slightly greater improvement in bone density after one year. That's not to say Prolia is for everyone. Like Fosamax, it can occasionally lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fractures.
This drug has a long list of side effects and it's also important to note that long-term risks are unknown. The FDA Medication Guide lists the potential health problems, which include serious infections, thighbone fractures, and jaw bone problems. It is unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks.
The mean residual life expectancy of a 50-year-old man beginning osteoporosis treatment can be estimated at 18.2 years and the residual life expectancy of a 75-year-old man beginning treatment estimat- ed at 7.5 years. The corresponding estimates in women are 26.4 years and 13.5 years.
Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph. D. Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.
Prolia may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after dental work. Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
How long can I stay on Prolia for? For Prolia to work well at reducing fractures it needs to be taken long term and in one phase 2 clinical trial it has been used safely for up to 8 years with substantial increase in bone density, although most clinical trials are for 3 or 4 years.
Weight-bearing aerobic activities
Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss.