Are bisphosphonates the only treatment for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
What are the advantages of bisphosphonates?
The bisphosphonates have been shown to reduce skeletal morbidity in multiple myeloma as well as a wide range of solid tumours affecting bone by 30-50%. Quite appropriately, these agents are increasingly used alongside anticancer treatments to prevent skeletal complications and relieve bone pain.
What are the negative effects of bisphosphonates?
Side effects for all the bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid) may include bone, joint or muscle pain. Side effects of the oral tablets may include nausea, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, irritation of the esophagus (tube connecting the throat to the stomach) and gastric ulcer.
Which bisphosphonate is safest?
64–66,71,72 Recent publications indicate that the use of oral bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate) may be safe and effective in patients with glomerular filtration rates less than 30 mL/min.
What do bisphosphonates do for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates slow bone resorption by reducing osteoclast function. Many studies have shown that this class of medication can improve bone density and reduce the risk of fracture in patients with a reduced bone density. They are administered in two ways: orally and intravenously.
Why bisphosphonates is the drug of choice for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonate therapy normalizes bone turnover, reduces the number of bone remodeling sites and stress risers, restores the balance of bone remodeling, prevents bone loss and deterioration of bone structure and, in patients with osteoporosis, reduces fracture risk (5).
Does prolia cause weight gain?
Weight gain itself wasn’t reported as a side effect during clinical trials of Prolia. However, some people taking Prolia did have swelling in their arms or legs. And with swelling, your body weight can be quickly increased.