Risk Factor Reduction

FDA Approved Medications

Alendronate sodium (Fosamax)

Calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin)

Estrogen Therapy / Hormone Therapy

Ibandronate sodium (Boniva)

Risedronate sodium (Actonel)

Raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista)

Teriparatide (Forteo)

Zoledronic acid (Reclast)

Other Treatments

FDA Approved Medications

How does osteoporosis medication get FDA approved?

When medications are being tested for osteoporosis, they first have to undergo laboratory testing, then testing in animals, and finally be tested in humans. In order for a medication to be approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the effectiveness and safety of the medication has to be rigorously tested in randomized placebo-controlled trials, the industry standard for proving that a medication really works.

What does it mean when a medication is FDA approved for the prevention of osteoporosis?

When a medication is FDA-approved for the prevention of osteoporosis, it means that it has been proven the medication prevents bone loss and may increase bone density in an individual with low bone mass and risk factors for osteoporosis.

What does it mean when a medication is FDA approved for the treatment of osteoporosis?

When a medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of osteoporosis, it means that it has been proven the medication reduces bone loss, may increase bone density, and must reduce fracture risk (in at least one site) in an individual with osteoporosis.

What medications have been FDA approved for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medications, listed in alphabetical order, for osteoporosis prevention and/or treatment.







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