Treatment of Osteoporosis
The aim of treatment is to prevent the development of osteoporosis and to prevent further bone loss in order to decrease the risk of osteoporotic fracture. Today there is a wide range of therapeutic options and several safe and effective pharmacological treatments that have been shown to act quickly (within one year) and to reduce the risk of fracture by up to 65% and nonvertebral fractures by up to 53%. It is important that the choice of treatment be tailored to a patient's specific medical needs and lifestyle.
Types of therapy
There are different types of drugs used to treat osteoporosis:
- antiresorptive drugs: slow the progressive thinning of bone (bisphosphonates, estrogen analogs (SERMS), tibolone, and calcitonin). HRT, used to treat postmenopausal symptoms, is also in this category.
- bone forming drugs: help to rebuild the skeleton (parathyroid hormone).
- other drugs with a more complex mechanism of action (strontium ranelate, vitamin D derivatives, denosumab)
In addition to drug therapy, calcium and vitamin D supplements might also be prescribed to ensure adequate intake and to ensure maximum effectiveness of the drug therapy.
Doctors and patients should also be aware that attention to lifestyle factors – such as regular weight-bearing exercise, proper nutrition and falls prevention strategies – must go hand in hand with any drug treatment prescribed.
Read about prevention and adherence issues
