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The strategies to promote healthy bones are
necessary for all individuals but not enough for everyone. Some
individuals need to take a medication to reduce bone loss and/or
prevent fractures. |
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Your
doctor or medical professional will review your medical history and
assess the following factors to determine your need for an osteoporosis
medication
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If
you have had a spine or hip fracture, you are at high risk for future
fractures and you probably need to take medication in addition to
following universal strategies for healthy bones. |
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There
are several medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. |
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No medication could ever be approved to manage osteoporosis without the commitment of individuals willing to participate in randomized, clinical controlled trials. |
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It
is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of
taking any osteoporosis medication with your medical professional.
Before
and during treatment with any osteoporsis medication, it is important
to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take,
including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal
supplements, and vitamins.
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Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are
minimally invasive procedures used to help relieve pain and strengthen
a broken spinal bone or vertebra. These relatively new procedures
should be limited for use as a last resort for pain management for
individuals with severe and persistent pain who do not get pain relief
from the conventional treatments such as pain relief medications, cold
or heat therapy or bed rest. |
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It
is important to be aware that there are alternative or over-the-counter
treatments for osteoporosis that are based on testimonials and lack
scientific evidence about effectiveness and safety. At high doses the
risks of over-the-counter treatments are not known and may be
significant. |
