Drugs For the Treatment of Osteoporosis and Natural Alternatives
Osteoporosis Risks and Treatments
Osteoporosis is a word, which comes from the two words: “osteo-“, meaning bone and; “porosis” meaning porosity. It is a common pathological condition in post-menopausal women and people having calcium deficiency or hormonal imbalance. A patient with osteoporosis has a low bone mineral density and thus is comparatively more fragile. Thus, people suffering from this condition are prone to an increased risk of fractures.
The low bone mineral density is either a result of lack of important minerals in the diet (such as calcium), imbalance in hormones (especially estrogen levels, as estrogen helps in the absorption of calcium by the bones; and parathyroid hormone), lack of vitamin D. Several other risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, malnutrition, soft drinks, etc. are also known to lead to osteoporosis.
There are several classes of medication, which are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of the condition. These include the following classes:
1. Bisphosphonates (also called diphosphonates)
This class of drugs is the first step in any treatment modality for osteoporosis. They act by inhibiting a type of cells called osteoclasts, which are responsible for breaking down bone tissue. The common side reactions of this class of drugs are inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and esophageal inflammation, and in rare cases osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition, which is associated with necrosis of the jaw bone). There are also rare incidents of auditory hallucinations and visual and auditory disturbances, bloody urine and renal complications associated with the bisphosphonates. Marketed preparations of this class are:
- Fosamax - Produced by Merck (Active ingredient- Alendronate): it is given either alone or in a combination with vitamin D (under the name of Fosamax + D). It is the most commonly prescribed medication. Apart from the common side effects of this class of drugs, alendronate also shows some cases of skin rash (which could get severe), eye problems (such as uveitis, scleritis) and generalized pain in the muscles, joints and bones.
- Actonel - Produced by Sanofi-Aventis and Procter & Gamble (Active ingredient – Risedronate): It is chemically different from other drugs of the biophosphonate class and is believed to be better tolerated orally. Side effects of this drug are joint, muscle and bone pains, headaches, and occasionally constipation.
- Boniva, Bondronat and Bonviva - Produced by Roche U.S. Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmitheKline (Active ingredient – Ibandronate): Ibandronate is generally a safe drug with lower incidences of gastrointestinal disturbances. The most common side effect, however, is pain associated with muscles, joints and bones (especially the back and extremities).
- Other drugs that are comparatively less prescribed are Aredia-Produced by Novartis (Active ingredient- Pamidronate) and Zometa – also produced by Novartis (Active ingredient – Zoledronate).
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy - Synthetic Prescription Drugs and Natural Hormone Therapy
Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is generally due to reduced estrogen production. This results in decreased mineral absorption by the bones. Hormone replacement therapy generally includes replacement of this estrogen levels. The most commonly prescribed drug for this is Evista (with the active ingredient- Raloxifene). Raloxifene is a drug in the medicine class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It mimics estrogen’s activities, which benefit the bone density, without majority of the risks associated with estrogen alone (such as increased risk of cancer). Common side effects of Evista (Raloxifene) are hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of limbs, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and even cases of insomnia.
Teriparatide is another drug, which is an analogue of the parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone also helps in maintaining bone density, and hence this analogue helps patients with osteoporosis. It is marketed under the name Forteo. Teriparatide is quite potent in reducing the risk of fractures. Side effects of Forteo are allergic reactions, light-headedness or increased heart rate upon injection, nausea, constipation, muscle weakness or even joint pains.
Bioidentical or natural progesterone cream is available over the counter or from a compounding pharmacy with a prescription. The hormone progesterone can be made from plants and is identical to the hormone made by the body in both men and women. Promoted as an alternative to dangerous and largely ineffective drugs, this hormone is applied in a cream form to the skin, where it is readily absorbed into the blood stream. Read books by Dr. John Lee, MD to learn more.
3. Supplements:
a. Calcium Supplements: Common brands like Cal-C-Caps, Cal-G, Cal-Lac, Citracal, PhosLo, Posture, Prelief, and Rolaids are marketed by a variety of companies. Calcium is a mineral, which is essential for strengthening the bone. In certain cases, taking calcium supplements can help conditions such as osteoporosis. Common side effects of calcium supplements are diarrhoea, stomach and intestinal problems, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyper and hypo parathyroidism, kidney diseases and kidney stones. Calcium in excess quantities can also lead to cardiac complications such as irregular heartbeats and increased heart rate.
b. Vitamin D Supplements: Vitamin D is normally synthesized in the body by exposing the skin to the sun. However, supplemental vitamin D can be taken by patients with osteoporosis. Generally most medication for osteoporosis contain vitamin D supplement along with it itself.
c. Soy Isoflavones
d. Magnesium
Osteoporosis Treatment: Find One The is Safe and Effective
