A diagnosis of osteoporosis can mean making significant lifestyle and dietary changes as well as beginning drug treatment to improve low bone mass in order to reduce the risk of hip or spinal fractures. It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your health care provider. Regular bone density tests can evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment at improving bone health. 

In addition to balance exercises, weight-bearing exercises and fall prevention steps, you’ll need to be mindful that you’re getting enough calcium through your diet and, if necessary, supplements. Sufficient vitamin D will help make sure your body absorbs calcium, which helps bone health.

Reduced hormone levels after menopause also can contribute to bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy can help with osteoporosis and other complications of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved medications to prevent, slow or stop osteoporosis progress. Some medications can improve bone density. Taking a prescribed osteoporosis medication, along with other healthy lifestyle modifications, can help reduce the risk of a broken bone.

The goal of treatment with osteoporosis medicine is to improve bone strength and reduce fracture risk. This is accomplished by altering the balance of bone resorption (bone loss) and new bone formation. It can be done by slowing resorption or by promoting bone formation using anabolic (bone-growth) medications.

There are many medications available for osteoporosis treatment and to reduce fracture risk. Routine lab work may be required to ensure your body’s calcium levels are within normal values. Your health care provider will work with you to determine which medication is the best option for your treatment plan.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis medications fall into two basic categories: Anabolic medication to stimulate bone growth and antiresorptive medication to address bone loss. 

Anabolic Medications

More bone is formed with the use of these medications than what is taken away. The result is improved bone health and reduced risk of a break. These medications are typically for postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment in patients at high risk for fracture. These patients have a history of osteoporotic fracture or multiple risk factors for fracture. The medications also may be appropriate for patients who can’t tolerate or haven’t had sufficient results with other osteoporosis therapy. Continued treatment with an antiresorptive drug may be appropriate after completing anabolic therapy.

• Evenity is administered as two separate injections once a month for 12 months. 
• Tymlos is a self-administered daily injection and can be taken for about 18 to 24 months. In addition to treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, it also is used to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis who meet certain criteria.
• Forteo can lessen the chance of spine fracture and other broken bones in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis. It also is used to increase the bone mass in men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis who meet certain criteria. It is also used to treat certain patients whose osteoporosis is due to use of glucocorticoid medicines, such as prednisone. It is a self-administered daily injection taken for 24 months.

Antiresorptive Medications 

These work by slowing bone resorption, or bone breakdown that’s part of the bone turnover with new tissue replacing lost bone tissue. These medications include:

• Prolia increases bone mass in osteoporosis patients with a high risk of fracture, including postmenopausal patients and men. This medication is an injection that will be given to you by a health care professional every six months. Delaying or stopping this medication can result in declining bone density and increased risk for fracture, especially multiple spine compression fractures.
• Evista is used in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This medication comes in pill form and is taken once daily.
• Bisphosphonates have common side effects that could include bone, joint or muscle pain. Oral tablets may have side effects of nausea, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, irritation of the esophagus and gastric ulcer. Shortly after receiving an intravenous bisphosphonate infusion, some patients may experience flu-like symptoms, fever, headache and muscle or joint pain. These side effects often resolve within two to three days after infusion.
  • Reclast is for postmenopausal osteoporosis and for increasing bone mass in men with osteoporosis. It also helps with prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in those with long-term use of a steroid medication such as prednisone and cortisone. Reclast has been shown to reduce bone loss, increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. This medication is administered once a year as an IV infusion and is limited to three to five years.
  • Fosamax is for postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteoporosis in men. Fosamax has been shown to reduce bone loss, increase bone density and reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures. This medication comes in pill form. It is taken orally for a limited number of years.
  • Boniva is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This medication reduces the risk of spine fracture. It can be taken as a once-monthly tablet or administered as an infusion. Blood tests will be performed to confirm kidney function is normal and calcium levels are within normal limits before the drug is prescribed. It is taken for a limited number of years.

Care That’s Focused on You

• Minimally invasive procedures can have you home quickly with less pain and faster recovery.
• Sophisticated pain management aims to keep you comfortable and safe.
• We have a deep commitment to getting you moving again and managing your pain so you can keep up with your physical therapy.
• With 30 orthopedic locations in Louisville, Southern Indiana and surrounding communities, we have specialists near you.
• Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more, anytime, from a computer or mobile device with a free Norton MyChart account.

Why Choose Norton Orthopedic Institute

More patients choose Norton Orthopedic Institute for hip or knee replacements and other orthopedic procedures than any other health care provider in Louisville or Southern Indiana.

• About 50 providers, including board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, offer care at twelve locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana.
• Same-day appointments often are available.
• Norton Healthcare is the first health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV.
• Our hip replacement specialists are pioneers in minimally invasive surgeries focused on minimizing pain and recovery time.
• Robotic-assisted surgical techniques improve precision for a more natural-feeling knee replacement to get you moving again.
• Educational programs help patients prepare for joint replacement surgery and recovery.
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Your free Norton MyChart account allows you to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, get alerted if an earlier appointment becomes available, refill prescriptions and more from a mobile device or computer.
• KORT Physical Therapy offers a variety of services, in partnership with Norton Healthcare, at convenient locations throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Find a location near you or request an appointment today.