Bone is living tissues in our body that constantly replace the broken down materials with new ones. With osteoporosis, the regrowth of the bones break down is slower leading to a more porous, less dense and more brittle bones.
As a result, people end up with a weak bone which susceptible to break and get fractured. While there is no cure or way to reverse osteoporosis completely, there are ways to help manage or prevent immediately it’s diagnosed. Some of those treatments usually include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help retard the rapid rate of bone breakdown in the body, even better, boost the regrowth.
Bisphosphonates
This type of medication, Bisphosphonates, administer to help slow bone loss, mitigate the risk of fractures, and increase bone density. Bisphosphonates are usually the first medication prescribed for women who already have dealt with menopausal symptoms and older men (above 50 years of age) diagnosed with osteoporosis.
A doctor often treats this condition with oral bisphosphonates for more than five years. In some cases, doctors may recommend extended treatment. [1]
Examples of Bisphosphonates consist of:
Alendronate tablets with the following brand names: Adronat, Fonat, Alendro, Fosamax, which is to be taken either once daily or once in a week;
risedronate tablets with the following brand names: Acris, Actonel taken either once in a week, once in a day, or once in a month; and
zoledronic acid with the following brand names: Ostira, Aclasta, which is administered through a drip into a vein once in a year.
Side effects of Bisphosphonates may include heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, stomach upsets, abdominal pain, and causing nausea. Therefore to minimize these side effects, you should take these drugs on an empty stomach. Also, it is advised to remain upright for about 30 minutes after administering alendronate and risedronate, as both sometimes irritate the food pipe (oesophagus). [2]
