New Drug for Osteoporosis
Medications for osteoporosis have changed in the last 15 years. Women were started on Fosamax in pill form as the gold standard treatment. The pill was taken once a day with very specific instructions on when and how to take it. This has changed over the years to a 5 day a week pill to a once a week pill. There are new drugs that can be used without the side effects you had with Fosamax or the demanding instructions on when and how it was taken. Fosamax was also restricted to women. Reclast is the current medication prescribed. It can be used in men and women. It is an intravenous (IV) administered drug that is taken once a year. Administration is usually done in the doctor’s office and takes about 15 minutes.
The newest addition to the drug arsenal is Prolia. It is also administered in the doctors office but in a two shot a year dose. The side effects are not as distressing as those of Reclast (those of Reclast are few but can be severe). One in particular for Reclast is the necrosis (death) of the jawbone. The occurrence of this has been noted as low but does sometimes occur.
The Prolia is considered to have a less dramatic effect on the jawbone. One thing though, Prolia is considered a last resort treatment. In other words, if other treatments are working do not change to something new. Prolia is used only if nothing else slows bone loss or can not use these other drugs at all. Look at the brochure on Prolia to see if this is something you need to talk to your doctor about.
MCox,
ReplyDeleteThis is valuable information about Osteoporosis treatments. As a dental hygienist it is important to know about the effects of these drugs and the jaw bone. Several of my patients who have taken Fosamax ask the question “Is my jaw ok?” They also request extra x-rays and exam to determine if their jaw bone is in good health. Patients are aware of this side effect and it is important to know what other osteoporosis treatments do and the possible side effects they could exhibit in patients. Thank you for this informative post.
Marsha, this is an informative review of osteoporosis medication. The introduction of medicines that do not have to be taken every day will be welcomed by those diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have personally found medicines like Actonel and Fosamax have side effects like muscle cramps and extreme joint pain as well as stomach aches. Although once a year medicines also have side effects, I understand they are not experienced every day. I had never even heard about problems with jawbones.
ReplyDeleteThe Prolia brochure was also a good addition to this post. It provided thorough information to be aware of when considering this medication. (It is interesting to see the celebrities that are used in marketing campaigns). Thanks for the information. Kay
Marsha,
ReplyDeleteI found your post very interesting. I am surprised there are sots taht come in and are able to work to keep the bones stonger while suffereing from osteoporosis. Does the shot keep the obone strong for the entire year or six months between shots? Or do some people have a steady and gradual decline in bone density through the year? It is very interesting on the drawback on the shots with the problems with the jaw. I have never heard of a negative effect like that as a side-effect for this type of shot.
I have learned a lot by reading your blog. Thanks for sharing.
BJ
Marsha,
ReplyDeleteMedicines are used to both prevent and treat osteoporosis. Some medicines slow the rate of bone loss or increase bone thickness. Even small amounts of new bone growth can reduce your risk of broken bones. When some one takes medicine for osteoporosis, she/he will also need to eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. However, large part of treating or reducing the effects of osteoporosis is getting enough calcium and vitamin D. A new research indicates that to improve bone strength and reduce hip fractures, we need more vitamin D than the currently recommended level of 400 IU. The experts suggest getting 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D per day.
Hello Marsha,
ReplyDeleteThis new drug sounds like a life saver for those who are dealing with rapid bone loss. I am always fearful of taking medicines with severe side effects, such as “death of the jawbone.” Why does this medicine target the jawbone? You mentioned that Prolia is used if nothing else can slow down bone loss, is there more of a rapid pace of bone loss for some then others? I thought this post was interesting because I have never thought of taking medicine for bone loss. I have always been under the assumption that exercising and eating well would help but I guess not everyone exercises or eats well and some may have a genetic component that causes them to have greater bone loss.
Have a great week,
Tracy
A drug called mosozumab, its name is Evanity. Works to promote bone formation. Risk factors for osteoporosis or fractures in women, it is valid.
ReplyDelete