Osteoporosis Health Topics

Featured Tests and Procedures

Bone Density Scan

A bone density scan is similar to an x-ray and measures bone health and response to osteoporosis treatment. This eMedTV page explains how a bone density scan is performed, how it is scored, and who should have a bone density scan.

Featured Conditions and Diseases

Calcium Deficiency

Most people will not have any symptoms of calcium deficiency until their bones are significantly weakened. This eMedTV resource describes possible signs of a calcium deficiency, explains how much calcium you need, and covers treatment options.

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is not the same as osteoporosis, although both are characterized by decreased bone density. This eMedTV Web page explains the difference between the two conditions and explains how they are diagnosed.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often results in brittle bones that are easily fractured. This part of the eMedTV library provides a general overview of this condition, including what it is, how it develops, how it is treated, and more.

Featured Medications

Actonel

Actonel is a prescription drug that is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. As this eMedTV page explains, it can also treat corticosteroid-related osteoporosis in men and women. Information on dosing and side effects is also provided.

Actonel With Calcium

Actonel With Calcium is a drug used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at the medication, including how it works, how it is administered, and what you should discuss with your doctor prior to taking it.

Boniva

Boniva is a prescription drug licensed to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV Web page describes the effects of Boniva, explains when and how to take the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Calcitonin

Calcitonin is used for treating a few conditions, including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV page further explains what the drug is used for, describes the various forms of calcitonin, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Calcitonin Salmon Injection

Calcitonin salmon injection is used to treat Paget's disease, osteoporosis, and high blood calcium. This eMedTV resource describes how the medicine works, explains how and when the injection is given, and lists warnings and precautions for the drug.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral found in many foods and dietary supplements. This eMedTV Web page describes its benefits, explains how this mineral works for various uses, and lists side effects that may occur with calcium products.

Evista

Evista is prescribed to treat postmenopausal women for osteoporosis. As this eMedTV article explains, it can also help reduce their risk of breast cancer. The drug's effects, dosing guidelines, and side effects are also described in detail.

Forteo

Forteo is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women. This eMedTV page offers more information on the effects of Forteo, explains how to take the drug, and lists some side effects that may occur.

Fortical

Fortical is a medication commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV Web page explains how Fortical works, offers information on when and how to take the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Fosamax

Fosamax is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at the drug, including information on its uses, dosing guidelines, possible side effects, and more.

Fosamax Plus D

Fosamax Plus D is a drug that can be prescribed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. This eMedTV page offers Fosamax Plus D dosing information, describes the effects of the medicine, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Ipriflavone

Ipriflavone is a synthetic version of isoflavone, a plant compound similar to estrogen. This portion of the eMedTV library discusses ipriflavone in detail and explains how it is still undetermined whether this treatment prevents bone loss.

Miacalcin Nasal Spray

Miacalcin nasal spray is an osteoporosis medication that is approved for postmenopausal women. This eMedTV page describes how the drug works, explains when and how to use the nasal spray, and offers general precautions and warnings for the medicine.

Phytoestrogens

As this eMedTV article explains, many postmenopausal women are interested in phytoestrogens (plant compounds similar to estrogen) as an alternative to hormone therapy. However, research has shown mixed results on the effectiveness of phytoestrogens.

Reclast

Reclast is a drug used to help treat the breakdown of bone associated with Paget's disease and osteoporosis. This eMedTV segment provides a detailed look at the drug, including information on its effects, side effects, dosing guidelines, and more.

Featured Anatomy

Bone Density

Your bone density is a measurement of your bone health. As this eMedTV article explains, this measurement can show your fracture risk and response to osteoporosis treatment. This page also explains how the density is measured.