What drugs work for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a chronic medical disorder which develops gradually over many years, in fact several decades. Most cases of osteoporosis are diagnosed in the 5th -6th decade of life but the disease process actually starts in the 3rd-4th decade. Thus, consumers have to understand that no drug is immediately going to work and prevent fractures within a span of 1-2 years. All the available drugs for osteoporosis have been shown to decrease fractures but none is 100 percent effective. Moreover each and every one of these drugs has potent side effects which limits their use in many people with weak or thin bones.

However, physicians believe that these facts should not deter patients with osteoporosis from taking the drugs. All consumers should know something about osteoporosis and the different drugs available before starting on therapy

One thing to understand is that all the currently available drugs can increase bone mass as has been proven by bone scan testing. However, evidence to show that these drugs can also prevent fractures is lacking. Osteoporosis is a gradual disease and many people lose bone mass before becoming completely osteoporotic. In individuals who have only lost bone mass, there is no evidence that these drugs reduce fractures.

In general, osteoporosis is measured by defining a bone mineral density T score. When the score is minus 2.5 or lower, osteoporosis is confirmed. Lesser degrees of bone loss is known as osteopenia and these individuals may not show any benefit from drugs. For these individuals, a decent healthy diet, rich in calcium, regular exercise, limited alcohol intake and cessation of smoking is the best treatment in preventing osteoporosis.