Osteoporosis Drugs: Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are among the newest medications for preventing and treating osteoporosis. They work by binding to the cells that break down bone and inhibit their activities. While they are new in the treatment of osteoporosis, they have been used for decades in the treatment of other bone disorders.
Many studies demonstrate that bisphosphonates can increase bone denisty significantly. Benefits usually begin within a year and increase in the second and third years. After that, there are minimal improvements. Fortunately, long term use of bisphosphonates for other bone diseases have shown them to be safe.
People who should consider hisphosphonates are:
- women who are unable or unwilling to take Hormone Replacement Therapy
- women who discontinue hormones, who would suffer rapid bone loss
- women and men who suffer osteopenia or osteoporosis as a result of taking steroids
- women with severre osteoporosis who are taking HRT
People who should not take bisphosphonates are those who have ulcers, heartburn or otehr gastrointestinal disorders, however, the drug has been shown to be well tolerated provided the instructions for taking it are followed.
The following brand names are bisphosphonates:
(Fosamax) risedronate
(Actonel) ibandronate
(Boniva) etidronate
(Didronel)
Tags: Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, osteoporosis medications
