DRUGS THAT CAN HELP
❖ BISPHOSPHONATES are the standard treatment for osteoporosis or people at high risk of fracture. They work by slowing down the activity of the osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. Side effects can include stomach pain, swallowing problems and irritation to the oesophagus. ❖ RALOXIFENE affects bone in a similar way to oestrogen, helping to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fracture, particularly of the spine. Side effects include hot flushes, leg cramps and a potentially increased risk of blood clots. ❖ TERIPARATIDE – a parathyroid hormone treatment that is only offered to people whose bone density is very low and who haven’t responded to other treatment. It stimulates the osteoblasts, the cells that create new bone, so it can actually increase bone density rather than slowing down the rate of loss. It can cause nausea and vomiting.