Nearly 10.2 million U.S. adults aged 50 and older have osteoporosis, a chronic condition that causes your bones to weaken and become more susceptible to fractures. There’s no cure, but certain medications can support your bones and reduce their risk of breaking.
At Arthritis Associates in San Antonio, Texas, our team of expert rheumatologists regularly prescribes osteoporosis medications. This article explains how osteoporosis medication may help support your bones and highlights some of the most common types.
Osteoporosis medication is typically recommended to people who have a bone density T-score of -2.5 or worse in their hips or spine. You may also benefit from medication if you have osteoporosis and recently broke a bone, especially if the fracture occurred after a minor fall or injury.
After reviewing your health history and completing a physical exam and bone density testing, we can determine whether osteoporosis medication is right for you. No two of our treatment plans are exactly alike. We consider your mobility and lifestyle before recommending any medication.
Several types of osteoporosis medication exist. Depending on your symptoms and health history, we may suggest:
This class of drugs is often the first line of defense for people with osteoporosis. Examples include risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronic acid.
Bisphosphonates can be administered orally or intravenously (via IV). They help maintain or increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Denosumab is a drug that’s administered every six months via injection. It slows bone breakdown and can also help prevent fractures. However, it’s important to receive each injection on a schedule and follow our instructions carefully.
Bone-building medications, such as romosozumab, stimulate new bone formation. We typically recommend these medications to people who have an increased risk of fractures. You may also benefit from these medications if you don’t respond well to bisphosphonates or Denosumab.
The best way to determine which osteoporosis medication is right for you is to have a comprehensive exam with our caring team. After assessing your:
We can make personalized treatment recommendations that support your specific needs.
Once we decide, we’ll explain the potential risks and side effects and provide a personalized dosing schedule so you can protect your bones and feel your best.
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis and want to determine which medication will benefit you most, we can help. To get started, schedule an appointment at Arthritis Associates today. Call the office or click the online booking feature.
