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Diseases » Osteoporosis » Treatments
 

Treatments for Osteoporosis

Treatments for Osteoporosis

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Osteoporosis includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Osteoporosis: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Osteoporosis may include:

Hidden causes of Osteoporosis may be incorrectly diagnosed:

Osteoporosis: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Osteoporosis:

Curable Types of Osteoporosis

Possibly curable types of Osteoporosis may include:

  • Menopause related osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis related osteoporosis
  • Soft drinks ( phosphoric acid) induced osteoporosis
  • Heavy metals ( cadmium) induced osteoporosis
  • more curable types...»

Osteoporosis: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Osteoporosis:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Osteoporosis include:

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Osteoporosis:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Osteoporosis include:

  • Atorvastatin - mainly used for patients with Type II diabetics
  • Lipitor - mainly used for patients with Type II diabetics
  • Medroxyprogesterone
  • Alti-MPA
  • Amen
  • Curretab
  • Cycrin
  • Depo-Provera
  • Premphase
  • Prempro
  • Proclim
  • Provera
  • Riva-Medrone

Latest treatments for Osteoporosis:

The following are some of the latest treatments for Osteoporosis:

Hospital statistics for Osteoporosis:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Osteoporosis:

  • 0.04% (5,057) of hospital consultant episodes were for osteoporosis with pathological fracture in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 73% of hospital consultant episodes for osteoporosis with pathological fracture required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 18% of hospital consultant episodes for osteoporosis with pathological fracture were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 82% of hospital consultant episodes for osteoporosis with pathological fracture were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • more hospital information...»

Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Osteoporosis

Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Osteoporosis:

Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »

Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Osteoporosis, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:

Medical news summaries about treatments for Osteoporosis:

The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Osteoporosis:

Discussion of treatments for Osteoporosis:

Aging - Women Getting Older: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Under FDA guidelines, drugs to treat osteoporosis must be shown to preserve or increase bone masses and maintains bone quality to reduce the risk of fractures. Before 1996, the only choices were the hormones, estrogen, and indictable calcitonin, as well as the use of calcium supplements. But there have been recent advances in treatment. Three medications have recently been approved by the FD One agent, called a bisphosphonate, slows down the rate of bone loss. One common bisphosphonate os alendronate, marketed by the brand name Fosamax. The second agent is an inhaled form of calcitonin. A third treatment called raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has many estrogen-like properties. Studies have shown that this agent can decrease bone loss but not quite as much as estrogen. A woman and her doctor need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of these treatment options. (Source: excerpt from Aging - Women Getting Older: NWHIC)

Osteoporosis: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Lifestyle changes and medical treatment are part of a total program to prevent future fractures. A diet rich in calcium, daily exercise, and drug therapy are treatment options. Good posture and prevention of falls are important in reducing the chance of being injured.

Under FDA guidelines, drugs to treat osteoporosis must be shown to preserve or increase bone mass and maintain bone quality in order to reduce the risk of fractures. The following drugs are approved by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis:

  • Estrogen – Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It reduces bone loss, increases bone density in the spine and hip, and reduces the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. Doctors prescribe ERT in combination with the hormone progestin (called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the lining of the uterus. HRT has shown to be effective at reducing the symptoms of menopause and having beneficial effects on both the skeleton and heart.

  • Alendronate (Fosamax®) – This drug belongs to a class of drugs called biophosphonates and is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It is used to treat bone loss from the long-term use of osteoporosis-causing medications and is used for osteoporosis in men. In postmenopausal women, it has shown to be effective at reducing bone loss, increasing bone density in the spine and hip, and reducing the risk of spine and hip fractures.

  • Risedronate (Actonel®) – Like Alendronate, this drug also is a biophosphonate and is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, for bone loss from the long-term use of osteoporosis-causing medications, and for osteoporosis in men. It has been shown to slow bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of spine and non-spine fractures.

  • Calcitonin (Miacalcin®) - Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone involved in calcium regulation and bone metabolism. Calcitonin can be injected or taken as a nasal spray. In women who are at least five years beyond menopause, it slows bone loss and increases spinal bone density. Women report that it also eases pain associated with bone fractures.

  • Raloxifene (Evista®) – This drug is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has many estrogen-like properties. It is approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and can prevent bone loss at the spine, hip, and other areas of the body. Studies have shown that it can decrease the rate of vertebral fractures by 30-50%.

Other treatments are being studied. They include new biophosphonates and SERMs, Vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone, and sodium fluoride. A woman and her doctor need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of these treatment options. (Source: excerpt from Osteoporosis: NWHIC)

Osteoporosis - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)

Treatment of osteoporosis aims to stop bone loss and rebuild bone. Along with making lifestyle changes, there are several medication choices. Some will slow your rate of bone loss, and others will actually rebuild bone. These are:

  • Estrogen. Doctors sometimes prescribe estrogen to replace the hormones lost during menopause, to slow the rate of bone loss, and to increase bone mass in the spine and hip. When estrogen alone is used, this treatment is called estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Post-menopausal women who still have a uterus and who choose to take estrogen should receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT), taking both estrogen and progestin. ERT or HRT may also protect against heart disease. Experts do not know all the risks of long-term use of these hormones. Each woman should discuss possible benefits, risks, and side effects of ERT or HRT with her doctor.
  • Raloxifene. This new drug is approved to prevent osteoporosis. It is known as a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator). Like estrogen, this SERM prevents bone loss, but may cause blood clots in some women. Unlike estrogen, it may cause hot flashes, but should not increase your chance of developing cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus or womb).
  • Alendronate and risedronate. These medicines are bisphosphonates, drugs that slow the breakdown of bone and may even increase bone density. They can lessen your chance of breaks in the spine and hip. Side effects may include nausea, heartburn, and pain in your stomach, muscles, or bones. These drugs must be taken in a certain way—when you first get up, before you have eaten, and with a full glass of water. You should not lie down or eat for at least one-half hour after taking the drug.
  • Calcitonin. This is a naturally occurring hormone that increases bone mass in the spine and may lessen the pain of fractures there. It comes in two forms—injection or nasal spray. The injection may cause an allergic reaction and has some unpleasant side effects. The only side effect of the nasal spray form is a runny nose in some people. It is most useful for women who are 5 years past menopause.
  • In the future. Other SERMs and bisphosphonates are being studied as improved treatments for osteoporosis. Also promising as possible therapies are sodium fluoride, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and some forms of vitamin D.
(Source: excerpt from Osteoporosis - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)

Osteoporosis - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)

If the scan shows osteoporosis, treatment, with the exception of estrogen and raloxifene, is similar to that suggested for older women. This includes getting enough calcium and vitamin D, doing weight-bearing exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. The only drugs available for men are alendronate, risedronate, and calcitonin. Some men with low levels of testosterone may find testosterone supplements helpful. (Source: excerpt from Osteoporosis - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)

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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Osteoporosis

Treatments of Osteoporosis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Osteoporosis.

Low Back Pain/Swelling: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • In absence of red flag symptoms, return to activity as soon as possible; rest has not been shown to improve recovery
  • Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, and/or muscle relaxants for pain; epidural corticosteroid injections may be indicated for resistant pain
  • Patient education (weight loss, exercise, proper back biomechanics and ergonomics)
  • Physical therapy, including pain relief modalities (ice, heat, ultrasound), stretching, strengthening, aerobic conditioning, and relaxation therapy
  • Surgery may be indicated for refractory disease, large neurologic deficits, unbearable pain, or significant limitations
'>>'>

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Rectal Masses: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Rectal and anal cancers are treated by surgical resection (with sphincter preservation), radiation, and/or chemotherapy
  • Hemorrhoid treatment is initially conservative: High-fiber diet, appropriate anal hygiene, Sitz baths, and topical steroids
    –Surgical options include rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids or surgical resection for large refractory hemorrhoids
    –Acute thrombosis of a hemorrhoid may require incision and drainage

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Scrotal Masses: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Torsion
    –Detorsion maneuver: Infiltrate spermatic cord with 10–20 mL of 1% lidocaine, then twist testes counterclockwise on left or clockwise on right; successful detorsion is indicated by immediate relief
    –Urologic referral: Emergent if unsuccessful; for orchiopexy if successful
  • Epididymitis and orchitis: Treat with antibiotics
    –<35 years: (presumed to be sexually acquired): Treat with ceftriaxone or fluoroquinolone; plus doxycycline or azithromycin or tetracycline
    –>35 years: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolone, unless history reveals that infection is sexually acquired
    –Analgesics
    –Scrotal support
    –Hospitalize if septic
  • If a mass is found that does not have a clear etiology after appropriate evaluation, consult urology
'>'>>

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Osteoporosis: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment aims to slow down or prevent bone loss, prevent additional fractures, and control pain. A physical therapy program that emphasizes gentle exercise and activity is an important part of the treatment. Medications may include bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. The physician may also recommend adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Raloxifene and calcitonin have also been prescribed. Weakened vertebrae should be supported, usually with a back brace. Surgery can correct pathologic fractures of the femur by open reduction and internal fixation. Colles’fracture requires reduction with plaster immobilization for 4 to 10 weeks.

The incidence of primary osteoporosis may be reduced through adequate intake of dietary calcium and regular exercise. Fluoride treatments may also offer some preventive benefit. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone may retard bone loss and prevent the occurrence of fractures; however, this therapy remains controversial. HRT decreases bone reabsorption and increases bone mass. Secondary osteoporosis can be prevented through effective treatment of the underlying disease as well as corticosteroid therapy, early mobilization after surgery or trauma, careful observation for signs of malabsorption, and prompt treatment of hyperthyroidism. Decreased alcohol consumption and caffeine use, as well as smoking cessation, are also helpful preventive measures.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Low birth weight: Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Because low birth weight may be associated with poorly developed body systems, particularly the respiratory system, your priority is to monitor the neonate’s respiratory status. Be alert for signs of distress, such as apnea, grunting respirations, intercostal or xiphoid retractions, or a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths/minute after the first hour of life. If you detect any of these signs, prepare to provide respiratory support. Endotracheal intubation or supplemental oxygen with an oxygen hood may be needed.

Monitor the neonate’s axillary temperature. Decreased fat reserves may keep him from maintaining normal body temperature, and a drop below 97.8° F (36.5° C) exacerbates respiratory distress by increasing oxygen consumption. To maintain normal body temperature, use an overbed warmer or an Isolette. (If these are unavailable, use a wrapped rubber bottle filled with warm water, but be careful to avoid hyperthermia.) Cover neonate’s head to prevent heat loss.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Osteoporosis: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

Effective treatment aims to prevent additional fractures and control pain. A physical therapy program, emphasizing gentle exercise and activity, is an important part of the treatment. In women, estrogen, to be started within 3 years after menopause, may be given to decrease the rate of bone resorption; sodium fluoride, to stimulate bone formation; and calcium and vitamin D, to support normal bone metabolism. However, drug therapy merely arrests osteoporosis and doesn’t cure it.

Similar therapies are used in men. Testosterone replacement may be used to increase BMD in men with low levels. (It’s contraindicated in men with prostate cancer.) A digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen test are performed before therapy and yearly thereafter.

Weakened vertebrae should be supported, usually with a back brace. Surgery can correct pathologic fractures of the femur by open reduction and internal fixation. Colles’fracture requires reduction with plaster immobilization for 4 to 10 weeks.

Prevention

The incidence of senile osteoporosis may be reduced through adequate intake of dietary calcium, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Medications for maintaining bone health include bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogens, and raloxifene.

Secondary osteoporosis can be prevented through effective treatment of the underlying disease, as well as by steroid therapy, early mobilization after surgery or trauma, decreased alcohol consumption, careful observation for signs of malabsorption, and prompt treatment of hyperthyroidism.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Low birth weight: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Initiate feedings as soon as possible and continue to feed the neonate every 2 to 3 hours.

▪ Provide gavage or I.V. nutrition for the sick or very premature neonate.

▪ Check abdominal girth daily or more frequently if indicated, and check stools for blood to detect necrotizing enterocolitis.

▪ Prepare for a sepsis workup if signs of infection are associated with low birth weight.

▪ Check the neonate's vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour and at least once every hour thereafter until his condition stabilizes.

▪ Be alert for changes in temperature or behavior, feeding problems, respiratory distress, or periods of apnea—possible indications of infection.

▪ Monitor blood glucose levels and watch for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as irritability, jitteriness, tremors, seizures, irregular respirations, lethargy, and a high-pitched or weak cry.

▪ If the neonate is receiving supplemental oxygen, carefully monitor arterial blood gas values and the oxygen concentration of inspired air to prevent retinopathy.

▪ Monitor the neonate's urine output by weighing diapers before and after voiding.

▪ Check urine color, measure specific gravity, and test for the presence of glucose, blood, or protein.

▪ Watch for changes in the neonate's skin color because increasing jaundice may indicate hyperbilirubinemia.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain disorder and all procedures and treatments to the parents.

▪ Encourage the parents to participate in their neonate's care to strengthen bonding.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007



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