There are a number of medications currently approved for treating
osteoporosis, including:
Alendronate (Fosamax)
This drug belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates and is approved for both
osteoporosis prevention and treatment. It is used to treat bone loss from the long-term use of osteoporosis-causing medications and is also used for osteoporosis in men. In postmenopausal women, it has shown to be effective at reducing bone loss, increasing
bone density in the spine and hip, and reducing the risk of spine and hip fractures.
Risedronate (Actonel)
Like alendronate, risedronate is also a bisphosphonate. It is approved for:
- Osteoporosis prevention and treatment
- Bone loss from the long-term use of osteoporosis-causing medications
- Osteoporosis in men.
Risedronate has been shown to slow bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of spine and non-spine fractures.
Ibandronate (Boniva)
Ibandronate is approved for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Taken as a once-a-month pill, ibandronate should be taken on the same day each month. Ibandronate reduces bone loss, increases bone density, and reduces the risk of spine fractures.
Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Fortical)
Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone involved in
calcium regulation and bone metabolism. Calcitonin can be injected or taken as a nasal spray. In women who are at least five years beyond
menopause, it slows bone loss and increases spinal bone density. Women report that it also eases pain associated with bone fractures.
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