What do osteoporosis treatments do?
Osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates included) can increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures over time. Most osteoporosis drugs do this only by slowing bone loss: Bisphosphonates – alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel) and zoledronic acid (Reclast); the hormone calcitonin; the estrogens; and the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene (Evista). Only one osteoporosis drug – teriparatide (Forteo) – also promotes bone growth.
How is osteoporosis connected to arthritis?
Osteoporosis is not a form of arthritis. Rather, it is a disease in which bones become brittle and weak, and eventually may break. Fractures, such as in the hips, often have long-lasting effects, including less mobility, decreased quality of life and increased depression. Like arthritis, osteoporosis can lead to disability. If bones are weak, the joints they form just don’t work well. In addition, the underlying processes involved in arthritis may contribute to osteoporosis.
Researchers have discovered that the chemicals involved in the inflammatory process, called cytokines, inhibit bone-building. And, in some cases, medications – especially corticosteroids – used to treat joint inflammation induce osteoporosis. Age also connects people with osteoporosis and OA, because both conditions tend to occur later in life.
When does a doctor prescribe osteoporosis medications?
Doctors look at several pieces of information before prescribing a bone-preserving or bone-building medication. A key piece of information is a patient’s bone mineral density. Bone density is determined by a quick and painless dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan of the hips, spine and wrists – the bones most likely to break due to osteoporosis. People should have a DEXA scan at age 65 and at a younger age if they take corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or have rheumatoid arthritis.
In people who do not have their bone mineral density tested, bones can weaken “silently,” and a fracture may be the first indication of osteoporosis that requires treatment. For those who have a DEXA scan, results are given as a Tscore, which compares the strength of a person’s bones with the peak bone mass of young adults. If bone density is normal, the Tscore will be at or above -1. A T score ranging from -1.1 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia, a preosteoporosis condition. Osteoporosis is diagnosed if the T score is -2.5 or lower.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends starting treatment for people who’s T score is -2.0 or lower, or for those who have additional risk factors (such as taking a corticosteroid) and a T score lower than -1.5. For patients on bone medications, or for those who remain at risk for osteoporosis, bone density tests may need to be repeated every one to two years. When deciding whether it’s time to prescribe an osteoporosis medication, a doctor also considers a patient’s family history of osteoporosis: lifestyle (calcium intake, exercise, smoking, alcohol use); and other factors, such as age, gender, height and weight.
How fast can osteoporosis progress without medication?
Disease progression is determined by genetics, lifestyle and environmental influences. Adequate or inadequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise can influence the rate of bone deterioration. Without medication, however, bones that are already weak can continue to lose density at a rate of 1 percent to 5 percent per year.
I'll tell you I Know what pain is I have (CRPS)or (RSD)
Dennis
I have been on them for a few years and don't know if they really work. As I am not able to afford another bone density test at this time.
Just wondering if someone can tell me more about this tablet and if it has helped.
Thanks!
Maryann
Try the forteo shots. Improved bone density immensely.
I took Forteo for 2 years. Cannot say I can tell a lot of difference in the pain, however, my bone density improved greatly. I would do it again if necessary. I was beginning to break bones on a regular basis, including both my femur bones. Bones are stronger, but still have pain. It could prevent another broken bone.
I really dont see a way out of here.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I 've had my right & left hip replacements done, the first was june 2008 the other sept. 2009 and a mild heart atack Dec. 2009.Besides I have arthritis which hurts my shoulders and back and sometimes my whole body. I've been taking toprol and crestor to prevent another heartatack. I do wonder if I really need this? also I take prednisone 4mg for my arthritis and will taper down. I also take ecotrin and synthroid along with omeprazole 20mg. I just wonder if Im wasting my time with all these pills. I also take over the counter, caltrate and D sometimes. The trouble is I am still hurting. I walk with some pain and can't walk as long as before. I am also doing water arobicks twice a week and one day of strenthing along with some walking when the weather is good. I stretch at home. I still don't get any answer. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow regarding the density test I took and was told I have osteoporosis. Also my test for pereforal arthritis is was ok. What kind of medication do you think they will priscribe for this. I'm only a young 75 and I want to get back to where I was in life. Do you have
My current doctor does not think there is such a thing and perhaps making things up and thinks I have mental problem. I have Osteoporis,and have hd a broken hip and a number of other breaks. Osteoarthritis, Bladder, Stomach, Vertigo, Migrains and Arthritis all over. Try and make all that up and he does not believe there is such a thing. I live with all of this and many persons cannot not All these things that I have to ingest does not help the bones, neither do the shots help. What do I tell my doctor as he refuses to read about it. I like this person but not on this. HELP
I am also going for Physical Therapy on my arms and neck twice a week.
Is there any other advice you can give to help relieve the pain.
Thank you- Joyce
i have ostoporios and i am given by my doctor the drug bonivia iv every 3 months do you think i would be a person to get the new drug denosumab ?would i still take bonivia plus this new drug? i have not had any breaks of my bones but acording to my cat scans i have a grade 4 condition Do you think this new medication would help me?
sincerly yours gloria katz
Thanks, Patty
I take caltrate with 600mg calcium plus 400 ml Vit D three times a day. If you count up what you get in food you will find your diet is lacking, I am sure. Milk is a fortified food.
Be sure to get sunshine. I go out without sun screen for 15 min.early in the am before the sun gets hot.
I felt much better and had less leg pain within a very short time and my Vit D level is back to normal .
Hope this is helpful. Jo-Ann Boyd
I am trying to heal from pelvic fractures
and sacrum fracture. My rheumatologist said
my serum Vit. D is 22. I am having a hard time finding a way to replace the vit. d.
I am allergic to yellow food and drug coloring, and seafood. Because of this I have
not found a po med I can take. Any help you
can send my way would be a miracle.
Thank you-Terri
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