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UCLA Orthopaedic Surgery

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

  • Prevention and Treatment
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Prevention and Treatment

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An estimated 44 million people in the United States, and more than half the population over age 50, have osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia.

Osteoporosis is not a normal or inevitable part of aging. It is a disease that can be prevented and treated. The Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center provides a full range of specialized treatment for osteoporosis that is individualized to patient needs.

Physicians review regular medications to determine if they contribute to osteoporosis and whether alternatives are appropriate. Patients are provided with guidelines for levels of exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and appropriate lifestyle changes.

The following prescription medications are available and approved by the FDA for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis in adult patients. These medications have been shown to improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Medications

Anti-Resorptive Agents: 

  • Bisphosphonates
    • Actonel (Risedronate)
    • Boniva (Ibandronate)
    • Fosamax (Alendronate)
    • Reclast (Zoledronic acid)
    • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Calcitonin
    • Miacalcin - nasal spray
    • Calcitonin - injectable
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy
  • Evista (Raloxifene)

Bone Formation Agents:

  • Forteo (Teriperatide - Parathyroid Hormone)

Physicians discuss the benefits and risks of all medications with each patient. 

At the Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center, additional medications may be prescribed to optimize bone health, depending on patient needs. Specific recommendations for calcium and vitamin D are reviewed with each patient. Doses may vary, depending on the patient's age, personal profile and special needs.

Medications not fully released by the FDA and other drugs in early stages of development may also be available through supervised clinical trials.


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