Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture (break). With osteoporosis, the bones lose density. Bone density is the amount of calcified bone tissue that is in your bones.
Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines to help lower your risk of fractures. These medicines can make the bones in your hips, spine, and other areas less likely to break.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines when:
A bone density test shows you have osteoporosis, even if you have not had a fracture before, but your fracture risk is high.
You have a bone fracture, and a bone density test shows you have thinner than normal bones, but not osteoporosis.
You have a bone fracture that occurs without any significant injury.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are the main medicines that are used to both prevent and treat bone loss. They are most often taken by mouth. You may take a pill either once a week or once a month. You also may get bisphosphonates through a vein (IV). Most often this is done once or twice a year.
Common side effects with bisphosphonates taken by mouth are heartburn, nausea, and pain in the belly. When you take bisphosphonates:
Take them on an empty stomach in the morning with 6 to 8 ounces (oz), or 200 to 250 milliliters (mL), of plain water (not carbonated water or juice).
After taking the pill, remain sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes.
Do not eat or drink for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Rare side effects are:
Low blood calcium level
A certain type of leg-bone (femur) fracture
Damage to the jaw bone
Fast, abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Your doctor may have you stop taking this medicine after about 5 years. Doing so decreases the risk of certain side effects. This is called a drug holiday.
Other Drugs for Osteoporosis
Raloxifene (Evista) may also be used to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
It can reduce the risk of spinal fractures, but not other types of fractures.
This drug may also help decrease the risk of heart disease and breast cancer.
Other selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are also used to treat osteoporosis.
Denosumab (Prolia) is a medicine that prevents bones from becoming more fragile. This medicine:
Is given as an injection every 6 months.
May increase bone density more than bisphosphonates.
Is generally not a first-line treatment.
May not be a good choice for people who have weak immune systems or who take medicines that affect the immune system.
Teriparatide (Forteo) is a bio-engineered form of parathyroid hormone. This medicine:
May increase bone density and decrease the risk for fractures.
Is given as an injection underneath the skin at home, often every day.
Does not seem to have severe long-term side effects, but may cause nausea, dizziness, or leg cramps.
Estrogen, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This medicine:
Is very effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Was the most commonly used osteoporosis medicine for many years. Its use decreased because of concern that this medicine caused heart disease, breast cancer, and blood clots.
Is still a good option for many younger women (50 to 60 years old). If a woman is taking estrogen already, she and her doctor must discuss the risks and benefits of doing so.
Romosozumab (Evenity) targets a hormone pathway in bone called sclerostin. This medicine:
Is given monthly as an injection under the skin for one year.
Is effective at increasing bone density.
May make calcium levels too low.
May possibly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
These medicines are rarely used for osteoporosis or only for specific situations:
Parathyroid hormone
This medicine is given as daily shots under the skin. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give yourself these shots at home.
Parathyroid hormone works better if you have never taken bisphosphonates.
Calcitonin is a medicine that slows the rate of bone loss. This medicine:
Is sometimes used after a bone fracture because it decreases bone pain.
Is much less effective than bisphosphonates.
Comes as a nasal spray or an injection.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor for these symptoms or side effects:
Chest pain, heartburn, or problems swallowing
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in your stool
Swelling, pain, redness in one of your legs
Fast heart beat
Skin rash
Pain in your thigh or hip
Pain in your jaw
References
De Paula FJA, Black DM, Rosen CJ. Osteoporosis: basic and clinical aspects. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.
Eastell R, Rosen CJ, Black DM, Cheung AM, Murad MH, Shoback D. Pharmacological management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(5):1595-1622. PMID: 30907953 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30907953/.
Review Date:
4/29/2022
Reviewed By:
Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
