Alternatives to Reclaste & Fosamax

Millions of people suffer from osteoporosis. Two of the most used drugs to treat osteoporosis are Reclaste and Fosamax, both of which belong to a group of medications called biophosphonates, and have shown to have some potentially serious side effects. The alternatives to Reclast and Fosamax may be just as successful as these two medications in treating the disease, without the same side effects.

Medications

• Some of the alternatives to Reclast and Fosamax in the medication category include medications that are in a class of medicines called SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators). One such medication is called Raloxifene, sold under the brand name Evista. This medication is useful mostly for postmenopausal women, and actually mimics the benefits that estrogen would have on bone density, without the same side effects. There is a chance of increased hot flashes with this medication, and it should not be used by people who have had blood clot problems.

Hormones

• Another alternative to Reclast and Fosamax is medication that acts as a hormone replacement. Calcitonin is a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland, and acts to slow down bone loss by reducing bone resorption. It is easy to take, and is administered either as a nasal spray or an injection.

  Teriparatide is another hormone treatment. It is sold under the name Forteo, and stimulates new bone growth. It is administered daily by injection, and is usually recommended for people who have fractures, or a high risk for them. The side effects are still being studied.

  Estrogen therapy is another hormone treatment used in place of Reclast and Fosamax. When treatment begins soon after menopause, bone density may not be lost as quickly. The side effects may be a concern for many people, and should be considered before beginning treatment.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy is used to help build up bone strength and make balance better to prevent falls. In addition to the help with balance and strength, posture is improved with physical therapy too. When your posture improves and you are stronger, you are less likely to fall and injure your bones.

Lifestyle Changes

• Along with medication, hormone therapy and physical therapy, there are some lifestyle changes that may help keep control of osteoporosis, and may even prevent it from getting worse.

  Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. You may want to consider taking a calcium supplement if you have osteoporosis in your family, or if you know you don't have enough of it in your diet.

  Exercise regularly. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking with weights, strengthens bones and muscles.

  Don't smoke. Smoking makes bone loss even greater.

  Drink alcohol moderately. More than two drinks a day make it harder for your body to absorb calcium.