Medications for Managing Osteoporosis
There are two main forms of medication that
are used to help manage osteoporosis. They are
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and Fosomax®.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Estrogen therapy for menopause, either taken alone
or with progestin, has been shown to slow bone
loss and prevent fractures.
Estrogen is most effective in preventing bone
loss when a woman starts taking it as soon as
possible after menopause and when taken long term
after menopause. There is no benefit to starting
estrogen replacement therapy before menopause
unless a woman has very low estrogen levels.
However, estrogen continues to be effective in
preventing fractures even when started many years
after menopause or when used by a woman already
diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The smallest doses necessary to prevent bone
loss seem to be .625 mg of conjugated estrogen,
1mg of estradiol, and 1.25 mg of estropipate,
all in pill form. Estrogen patches also provide
benefits for osteoporosis, but vaginal estrogen
creams do not.
Hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) can be very beneficial
for women at risk of developing osteoporosis,
and therapy also can provide additional benefits
for women at menopause. However, HRT is not for
everyone, as long-term use may lead to an increased
risk for breast cancer.
If you're at a high risk for osteoporosis and
are approaching menopause, talk to your health
care provider about HRT.
Fosamax® (Alendronate sodium)
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved
a new drug for women diagnosed with osteoporosis.
The drug, Fosamax, is used to treat osteoporosis,
and it was recently approved by the FDA for use
in preventing osteoporosis as well. Fosamax has
been shown to reduce the high rate of bone loss
that occurs after menopause. Use of Fosamax results
in increased bone mass.
However, Fosamax, is not right for everyone.
You cannot take Fosamax if you:
- Have digestive problems
- Have severe kidney problems
- Cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30
minutes
- Have low levels of calcium in your blood
If you already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis,
talk to your health care provider about whether
Fosamax is right for you.
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