Medication

Pain alleviation:

The high frequency of broken bones and bone fractures in the case of osteoporosis lead to long-lasting pain. The pain is usually treated with the analgesic therapy.

Promoting bone formation: To ensure the up keeping and reproduction of decreased bone density, a number of different medications are available: bisphosphonates, strontium,fluorine, calcitonin and estrogen.

Bisphosphonate:

Bisphosphonate is an antiosteoporosis agent which used with postmenopausal women. Bisphosphonates inhibits osteoclasts, which are responsible for osteolysis. As they are badly absorbed by the bowel, bisphosphonates should be taken with a glass of water at least half an hour before breakfast. Typical side effects are nausea, stomach ache and emesis. Representatives of this drug class are Alendronate, Ibandronate, Risedronate and Zoledronate.

• Raloxifene: Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It has an oestrogenic effect on the bone by slowing down osteolysis. It is not known for causing breast cancer, cardiac infarction or apoplexy. The intake does however increase the risk for thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Furthermore paranasal sinusitis and hot flashes are also known as unwanted side effects.
• Teriparatide: Teriparatide is a recombinant form of human parathyroid hormone (PTH). It stimulates new bone formation leading to increased bone mineral density. Typical side effects are headache, nausea and dizziness.
• Strontium ranelate: This drug is a combination of strontium and ranelic acid. Renelic acid just acts as a transporting-agent and has no effect on the bones metabolism. Strontium is a calcium supplement and aids the bone growth, boosts bone density and lessens vertebral, peripheral and hip fractures. This drug can trigger an allergic reaction.