Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects a large number of people across the globe. Decreasing bone density, making the patient more vulnerable to fracture, is the main characteristic of osteoporosis. There are no other noticeable symptoms until a minor accident or injury leads to a bone fracture. Loss of height is also a symptom of this condition, but it is not as common as the others.
The loss of density in the bones may also result in movement restrictions, leading to low quality of life. It is impossible to pin down the root cause of osteoporosis. A wide variety of causes are listed by healthcare experts, such as genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. There are also several reports suggesting that osteoporosis can be caused by the side effects of various medications. We will discuss the various types of osteoporosis medications that are available, as well as their advantages and potential drawbacks, below.
Bisphosphonates
The majority of physicians prescribe this medication to their patients for improvement of the condition. This medication is proven to work by slowing down the rate at which bones degenerate and thereby reducing the progression of this condition. As a result, the risk of fractures is decreased and bone density is increased. The many dosage forms of bisphosphonates, such as pills and injections, are readily available and generally well-tolerated. Some of the most common side effects that are reported by many bisphosphonate users are nausea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal upset and heartburn. There are also reports suggesting that in rare cases, this medication has led to a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is characterized by the breaking of the jaw bone.
Hormone Therapy
This type of treatment is commonly used in the case of female patients. Estrogen and other hormones can help prevent bone loss in women during the period of menopause. Hormone therapy comes with a lot of risk factors and must be done under the supervision of an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Denosumab
This medicine, which is administered intravenously, prevents a protein that contributes to bone degeneration. It has been demonstrated that denosumab works well to boost bone density and lower the risk of fractures.
Teriparatide
This drug is a synthetic version of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the formation of new bone. It is typically only administered as a daily injection to patients with severe osteoporosis who have not responded to conventional therapies.
Making lifestyle modifications and working with your doctor to select the best medicine for you can help lower your risk of osteoporosis-related problems and enhance your general quality of life.
