Osteoporosis Medications

Anti-resorptive:
Fosamax, Actonel, Miacalcin

Fosamax and Actonel are a type of medicine known as a bisphosphonate and are used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. They may also be used to treat Paget's disease, steroid-induced osteoporosis, and other conditions as determined by your doctor. Miacalcin is used as a nasal spray for the treatment of osteoporosis after menopause.

Side effects that may go away during treatment, include stomach pain, muscle pain, headache, constipation, stomach gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you experience worsening severe heartburn, or pain upon swallowing. Side effects of Miacalcin nasal
spray that may go away during treatment include dry nose, stuffy nose, or runny nose.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators:
Evista

This medicine is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Side effects that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, hot flashes, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach upset, or bloating. Contact your doctor if you experience severe depression; breast tenderness; weight change; swelling of your fingers or ankles, calf/leg pain or swelling; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; chest pain; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; lumps in the breast; sudden severe headache, dizziness, or fainting; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; abnormal vaginal bleeding; or abdominal pain, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting; vision problems; or coughing up blood.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bone Stimulating:
Forteo

Forteo is an injectable medicine that is used in women after menopause and in men to treat severe osteoporosis. It is used in patients who are at high risk of having fractures, have had fractures, or who cannot use other osteoporosis treatments. Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness or leg cramps. Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sluggishness, or muscle weakness, difficulty breathing; dizziness; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with these medicines. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. The information contained below is not a comprehensive discussion of these medications and do not substitute for a thorough discussion with your health care provider(s).