Osteoporosis Medicines

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can ease symptoms of postmenopause. It may also be used to help keep bone density. It may be in pill or skin patch form. Check with your health care provider to find out if this is the correct treatment for you. (It is no longer advised as a first line of treatment for osteoporosis prevention, according to the National Institutes of Health.)

Benefits may include:

• Reduced bone loss and lower risk of a break or fracture.

• Increased bone density in the hip and spine.

Side effects may include:

• Nausea.

• Breakthrough bleeding, bloating, and weight gain.

• Breast soreness.

• High blood pressure.

• Increased risk of blood clots in the legs, heart disease, and certain cancers, such as breast cancer.

SERMs

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) act on estrogen in the body. They come in pill form.

Benefits may include:

• Increased bone density in the hip and spine.

• Preventing bone loss.

• Reduced risk of spinal fracture.

Side effects may include:

• Hot flashes.

• Leg cramps.

• Increased risk of blood clots in the legs.

This treatment is only approved for postmenopausal women.

Calcitonin

Calcitonin is a hormone. It comes in a nasal spray. It can be used in place of other medicines. But it may not work as well. And it does not prevent osteoporosis.

Benefits may include:

• Slowing bone loss.

• Increased bone density in the spine.

Side effects may include:

• Swelling, soreness, or irritation inside the nose.

• Nasal congestion and runny nose.

Teriparatide

Teriparatide is a hormone. It stimulates new bone formation on the surface of the bone. It is given as a shot under your skin once a day. Your health care provider will show you how to give yourself the shot. It's important to give the shot at about the same time each day.

Benefits may include:

• Slowing bone loss.

• Increased bone strength and density.

Side effects may include:

• Heartburn or upset stomach.

• Redness or irritation at the injection site.

• Leg cramps.

Side effects that you should tell your health care provider about right away are:

• Lightheadedness or feeling faint.

• Blood in your urine.

• Muscle weakness.

Denosumab

Denosumab is a type of immune therapy medicine. It works by decreasing bone loss. It is given to women after menopause and to adults who need to take corticosteroid medicine for 6 months or more. It is given as an injection under your skin once every 6 months. It is often given by a health care provider.

Benefits may include:

• Building new bone.

• Reduced risk of bone fracture

Side effects may include:

• Red, dry, or itchy skin.

• Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.

• Headache.

• Runny nose.

Side effects that you should tell your health care provider about right away are:

• Chest pain.

• Breathing problems.

• Signs of infection, like fever, cough, or sore throat.