Do these medications work for men, too?
Men are fortunate to have options for treating bone loss now, as they certainly are not immune from developing osteoporosis. Just more than a decade ago, however, estrogens were the only treatment available, so men, children and women who didn’t want to risk estrogen’s side effects had no medical treatment options.
Now, all of the osteoporosis medications listed in the Drug Guide can be taken by men, except for the estrogens. In fact, three of the treatments – alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and teriparatide injection (Forteo) – have been studied specifically in men and are FDA-approved for use in men at high risk of fracture due to osteoporosis.
How often must these drugs be taken?
Clinical studies throughout the past few years have shown that medication developed for daily use also can be effective if taken less frequently. Although daily doses are still available for most of the treatments, once-weekly, once-monthly and once-quarterly doses are also now available for some. Late last year, the treatment options for osteoporosis increased with the FDA’s approval of a once-yearly intravenous infusion treatment called zoledronic acid (Reclast). A new osteoporosis medication called denosumab is on the horizon, too, and is taken by injection just twice per year.
Do these medications cure osteoporosis?
There is no outright cure for osteoporosis, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, fracture risk can be reduced greatly. Potentially, there may be some restoration in the quantity and quality of bone tissue. In some mild cases, after two to five years of treatment with medication – in addition to adhering to a healthy diet that provides adequate calcium, supplementing calcium and vitamin D if diet isn’t enough, and getting regular weight-bearing exercise – bone density may improve enough to attenuate, if not partially reverse, osteoporosis. Regular DEXA scans will determine if restarting medication is warranted. For severe osteoporosis, treatment likely will be life long.
