Drugs Used to Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a "major public health threat for 44 million Americans", according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Several treatments are available, and could potentially prevent millions of debilitating osteoporosis-related bone fractures. Drugs approved for the treatment of osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitonin and teriparatide.

Bisphosphonates

• Bisphosphonates include Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast. Medications classified as bisphosphonates have been approved to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men, and osteoporosis resulting from the use of glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and cortisone.

Raloxifene

• Raloxifene, the generic name for Evista, has been approved to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis. Raloxifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, and does not commonly have side-effects.

Calcitonin

• Miacalcin and Fortical contain calcitonin. Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone which regulates calcium and metabolizes bone tissue. Patients who have experienced menopause for a minimum of 5 years are able to use calcitonin as a treatment for osteoporosis.

Teriparatide

• Teriparatide, the generic name for Forteo, is a parathyroid hormone which stimulates the formation of new bone tissue. Teriparatide is approved as a treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis, and osteoporosis in men.

Considerations

• Each of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis require a prescription. Some medications may be administered orally, intranasally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly.