What Is Osteopenia?
8. What Medications Are Used To Treat Osteopenia?
When deemed necessary, bisphosphonate medications are prescribed to slow the rate of bone loss. They are taken anywhere from once per day to once per year and have side effects of nausea, dizziness and sometimes fever. Long-term use can also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw and increase the chance of a break in the femur. Examples of these medications are alendronate (Binosto and Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia), and zoledronic acid (Reclast and Zometa). Other prescription medications include Denosumab or hormone therapy to increase estrogen or thyroid hormones.
Osteopenia does not always warrant drug treatment. Medications have potential side effects, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, which must be weighed against their benefits. Doctors decide whether to prescribe medication based on the age of the patient, the degree of bone loss and the probability of fracturing a hip. The risk of hip fracture is used as a criterion due to the low survival rate of elderly patients after this type of injury.
Advertisement
