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Osteoporosis Treatment Efficacy

Several treatment options exist for the condition known as osteoporosis. But they are not all equal in treatment efficacy, with a prescription drug class (bisphosphonates) taking the lead in treatment success and safety at present.

  1. Osteoporosis

    • Spine fractures are common in osteoporosis

      Osteoporosis is a medical condition that results in weakened bones. Spine, wrist or hip fractures are common with this condition, and fractures can occur from an activity as simple as bending over. Low calcium, phosphorous, and mineral levels in the body are the cause of bone weakening, generally, according to the Mayo Clinic, but treatment options can strengthen bone and lessen the chances of fractures.

    Osteoporosis Treatment

    • Hormone therapy, prescription medications and emerging therapies are the current osteoporosis treatments available. Hormone therapy, previously the main one used for osteoporosis, is not used as much now that other options are available and safety concerns regarding it have been raised, according to the Mayo Clinic. Emerging therapies, like physical therapy, are proving to improve posture and reduce falls and fractures.

    Prescription Medications

    • Bisphosphonate prescription medications can help with osteoporosis

      Medications prescribed for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitonin, teriparatide and tamoxifen. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone breakdown, increase bone density in the spine and hip and preserve existing bone mass.

      Raloxifene is only approved for use with women and should not be used if a history of blood clot formation exists. Calcitonin may slow bone loss and prevent spine fractures, and it does reduce bone resorption. However, its potency is less than bisphosphonates. Teriparatide stimulates new growth of the bone rather than reducing bone loss. And Tamoxifen reduces fracture risk in women over 50, but like raloxifene, it is only for use with women.

    Treatment Efficacy

    • Bisphosphonates are more cost-effective for women over age 65

      According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the bisphosphonate drugs---Didronel, Fosomax, Skelid, Actonel, Aredia and Ibandronate---help maintain or actually increase bone mass in women who participated in clinical trials.

      In a three-year trial, women who had at least one pre-existing fracture saw a 50 percent decrease in risk of new wrist, hip, or vertebral fractures, according to the AAFP. An increase of 8 percent in spinal bone mass density occurred as well in the trial in which Fosomax was administered, the AAFP says.

    Additional Efficacy

    • Minimal nonskeletal toxicity exists with bisphosphonate use for osteoporosis, preventing the drug from being taken into tissues of the body. Bone mass density is increased through this particular drug's use in the treatment of osteoporosis, along with a decrease in fractures, according to the AAFP.

    Significance

    • Based on the National Osteoporosis Foundation's guidelines, women who are older than 65, have more than one risk factor for osteoporosis and not currently using hormone replacement therapy are the group for whom bisphosphonates would be more cost-effective.

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