Drugs to Reverse Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. They take on a porous look and even mild stress can lead to a fracture. There are several different types of drugs available to reverse osteoporosis as well as hormone therapy. How well they work in reversing osteoporosis will depend on the patient.

Bisphosphonates

• Bisphosphonates help to preserve bone mass, slow down the breakdown of bone, and increase bone density, particularly in the hips and spine. According to the Mayo Clinic, bisphosphonates are particularly beneficial in treating and reversing osteoporosis in patients who have taken steroids for prolonged periods of time for conditions such as arthritis or asthma. This medication is most often administered orally with pills, but if patients do not tolerate the pills well, they can have it administered in their doctor's office intravenously.

  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the possible side effects of bisphosphonates include joint/bone/muscle pain, gastric ulcer, nausea, headache, trouble swallowing, eye inflammation, fever, heartburn, flu-like symptoms, and esophagus irritation.

Raloxifene

• Raloxifene is a type of medication referred to as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. According to the Mayo Clinic, this drug to reverse osteoporosis works by increasing bone density, which helps to prevent fractures. This drug is administered orally in the form of a pill.

  According to the Breast Cancer Organization, the side effects of Raloxifene include joint or bone pain, nausea, hot flashes, dizziness, fatigue, increased sweating, insomnia, headache, blood clots, thinning hair, stroke, depression, stroke, mood swings, an increase in tumor or bone pain, endometrial cancer, constipation, increased blood calcium, dry skin, flu-like symptoms, libido loss, swelling, leg cramps, rash, dry eyes, vision problems, and vaginal bleeding or discharge. Men and those who have had blood clots in the past should not use this drug to reverse osteoporosis.

Calcitonin

• Calcitonin can help to slow bone loss and reduce bone resorption. According to the Mayo Clinic, the thyroid gland already produces this hormone, and it may alleviate some compression fracture pain, as well as help to prevent spinal fractures. This medication can be administered in several ways, including an injection or as a nasal spray. This drug to reverse osteoporosis is most often prescribed to patients who are unable to take other medications, but it is not as potent bisphosphonates.

  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, possible side effects of calcitonin include headache, nosebleed, runny nose and back pain.

Bone-Forming Medications

• The most commonly prescribed bone-forming drug to reverse osteoporosis is teriparatide. According to the Mayo Clinic, this drug is a parathyroid analog and very powerful. It is used to treat and reverse osteoporosis in women, as well as reduce fracture risk in men. This type of medication works differently than other osteoporosis medications by stimulating the growth of new bone to help strengthen the patient's bones and prevent fracture. This drug is administered under the skin by injection in the abdomen or thigh, once daily.

  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the possible side effects of bone-forming medications include modest increases in calcium, urine and serum, as well as dizziness and leg cramps.

Tamoxifen

• According to the National Cancer Institute, tamoxifen helps to stimulate cell growth. When used to reverse osteoporosis, it helps to stimulate the growth of bone cells, resulting in stronger bones that are more resistant to fracture. This medication comes in liquid and a pill form and is taken orally.

  According to the National Cancer Institute, the possible side effects include vaginal discharge, hot flashes, headaches, irregular menstrual periods, reduction in sex drive, fatigue, impotence, nausea, vaginal itching, vomiting, vaginal dryness, skin rash, and vaginal irritation.