Osteoporosis treatment may involve medication along with lifestyle change. Get answers to some of the most common questions about osteoporosis treatment.
If you're undergoing osteoporosis treatment, you're taking a step in the right direction for your bone health. But perhaps you have questions about your therapy. Is the medication you're taking the best one for you? How long will you have to take it? Why does your doctor recommend a weekly pill when your friend takes a pill only once a month?
Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first?
Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include:
Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill
Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill
Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion
Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion
Another common osteoporosis medication is denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). Unrelated to bisphosphonates, denosumab might be used in people who can't take a bisphosphonate, such as some people with reduced kidney function.
