Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease, which means that it progresses over time. In order to determine if you have osteoporosis, it is ideal to visit your doctor for a bone density test. Once your doctor has confirmed that you have this bone condition, it is important to take osteoporosis medication or other treatment options into consideration.

 

First and foremost, it is important to make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions in regards to any type of osteoporosis treatment medication. Be sure to remind your doctor of any health conditions or medications that you may currently be on, in order to insure that they will not interfere with treatment options.

 

That said, there are several osteoporosis medications and treatments that you should know about.

Bisphosphonates are the most common type of osteoporosis treatment medication that is used to prevent further bone density from being lost. Some of the most popular brand name medications that fall under this category of prescription drugs include Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva.

 

However although these are some of the more popular osteoporosis medications, they are not without their detractors. Fosamax, in particular, is the subject of one internet forum where users of the drug report a wide range of unpleasant and unwanted side effects.

Your doctor will also probably recommend a vitamin supplement as an additional osteoporosis medication. Certain vitamins, such as Calcium and Vitamin D, can slow down the process of osteoporosis. A diet which consists of a high amount of both of these vitamins, as well as other essential nutrients, is a main key to prevention of osteoporosis.

 

Research has shown that changes in diet can have a beneficial effect on osteoporosis, however a change in diet does not, of itself, constitute a complete osteoporosis treatment.

 

Research has also shown that there can be major steps taken towards combating osteoporosis by the use of high quality dietary supplements. Good quality nutritional supplements (and there are some very bad quality ones around) can help in the battle against this degenerative bone condition, and should be part of any total solution to osteoporosis.

 

There is also a good chance that your doctor will recommend you to stay active if you have osteoporosis. Exercise is known to work as an osteoporosis treatment medication, as it can help keep the bones in good health. A regular exercise routine is a main key to osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

The right treatment for osteoporosis varies according to person. What works for some may not work for others. Generally, however, a combination of dietary changes and high quality nutritional supplements aimed specifically at combating is ideal for the best results.

 

Once your doctor has confirmed that you have lost bone density or you have osteoporosis, it is important to talk about which osteoporosis medication is the right choice for you.

 

And remember, not all nutritional supplements are good quality, and it may surprise you to find out which company manufactures the best nutritional supplements. They certainly don’t sell them in your local drugstore.

 



Thanks to Peter Clark for contributing this article to our Osteoporosis blog:

Exercises To Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Zometa,Aredia,and Fosamax are common drugs that have been linked to the loss of jaw bone

These drugs are a type of drug known as bisphosphonates. Recently a link has been found between bisphosphonates and a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This important discovery clearly shows that Fosamax and Zometa side effects may include osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as "Dead Jaw".

The discovery, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, prompted both the US, Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and Novartis, the manufacturer of bisphosphonates used in cancer chemotherapy, to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004. The warning letter contained information about bisphosphonates and the risks of osteonecrosis in the jaw. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in tablet form such as Fosamax ( Alendronate Sodium ) to prevent and treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Stronger forms of bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bone, where the disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures. Several cancers can involve or metastasize to the bone, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and others. When bisphosphonates are given in cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given intravenously, and usually for longer periods of time.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Osteonecrosis of the jaw ( ONJ ) is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed. The exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Experts say that prevention and early treatment of individuals using bisphosphonates such as Fosamax is extremely important in preserving the jaw bone. Individuals using Fosomax or other bisphosphonates should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.

Although most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw related to Fosamax side effects have occured after dental work several cases have been reported to occur without any prior dental work. Patients taking Fosamax may be at risk of developing osteonecrosis. Patients injured by Fosamax side effects may be entitled to compensation. For more information about the legal rights of patients contact the offices of

Powell Law Firm, L.C. is the nation’s leading law firm for litigation regarding Bisphosphonate Complications.

for your free, confidential case evaluation at toll-free 888-238-1998 Please state your name and phone number And we will get back with you promptly or email us at info@mpowelllaw.com

www.MPowellLaw.com

Accepting Inquiries from the U.S. and Internationally

Every case is different. No specific results are implied.

269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1156, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

More Osteonecrois of the jaw links:

Zometa Lawsuit

Aredia Lawsuit

Fosamax Lawsuit

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Information

Thanks to Fc for contributing this article to our Osteoporosis blog:

How To Increase Bone Density

A study of more than 6,000 Canadian women concludes osteoporosis drugs called anti-resorptive agents help reduce risk of low-trauma bone fractures in women age 50 and older.  Examples of anti-resorptive drugs include:

·         Estrogen

·         Bisphosphonates

·         Selective estrogen-receptor modulators

·         Calcitonin

The study began seven years ago.  The group of women in the study was asked about their use of anti-resorptive agents and the women’s bone mineral density was measured at the beginning of the study.

Researchers found an average 32 percent reduced risk of non-vertebral osteoporosis-related bone fractures associated with the use of anti-resorptive agents.  This risk reduction was higher among women with major risk factors for fractures.

These findings are similar to previous studies that found anti-resorptive agents helped fractures in women with osteoporosis.

Another study found that low-dose estrogen therapy is more effective in treating osteoporosis in women with lower natural levels of estrogen in their blood.  This is the first study to suggest a very low dose of estrogen may vary in effect substantially from woman to woman based on their natural estrogen levels.

A once-a-year injection of a common osteoporosis drug called zoledronic acid could be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Findings published in the May 3, 2007 issue of the the England Journal of Medicine state researchers report annual injections of zoledronic acid greatly reduced older women’s risk for fractures.

The once-a-year injection can be given to patients in the office with a 15-minute IV.  The FDA has not approved a single-year injection yet, but researchers are very hopeful it will.  This treatment would be a very convenient alternative for people who cannot or will not take traditional anti-resorbtive medicine.  Still yet, it is not for everybody researchers warn.  The study was in older people.  Younger people should not be seeking this type of treatment.  An outside expert agreed the new drug formulation could change the way people care for their bones.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that primarily affects women in their postmenopausal years.  Men can also acquire osteoporosis; it is just not as common in men as it is in women.  As Osteoporosis progresses bones get thinner and become more fragile.  Thinner and more fragile bones mean “easier fractures.”  The goal is to help keep the bones strong and reduce bone loss to prevent fractures in women after menopause and/or over 50.

For women able to take these drugs, it is a very exciting discovery that will help prevent fractures in postmenopausal and/or women age 50 and over.

Source:  Science Daily

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional



Thanks to Connie Limon for contributing this article to our Osteoporosis blog:

Bone Health And Osteoporosis