Osteopenia Treatments
Doctors may not prescribe medication until a patient’s condition reaches osteopenia. Doctors may not prescribe medication to an individual with osteopenia who has already suffered a bone fracture. Bisphosphonates, a genus of drugs used to prevent bone reabsorption, may be included in a patient’s treatment regimen. When bone density decreases to the point of osteopenia, physicians may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients. (7)
In some instances, particularly if you have already fractured a bone, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent osteoporosis and treat additional fractures. Medications that may treat osteopenia or osteoporosis include:
The use of bisphosphonates
These medications may inhibit the natural process by which your body breaks down bone. You may maintain your current bone density or experience a significant increase in bone density. Bisphosphonates are the most significant drugs used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Ibandronic acid (Boniva), alendronic acid (Fosamax), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and risedronic acid (Actonel) are their constituents. The majority of bisphosphonates are once-weekly or once-monthly medications. However, reclast is administered via injection once a year.
Teriparatide (Forteo) is a medication that mimics the action of a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands. It is the first drug that aids in the formation of replacement bones. It can be administered daily as an injection beneath the epidermis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Once a miraculous treatment for bone loss, physicians now use it infrequently because studies show that it increases the risk of blood clots in the lungs and legs, as well as some other health conditions. If hormone replacement therapy assists a woman’s menopause symptoms, her doctor may also recommend that she continue taking it to prevent bone loss. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if you should consider this therapy.
This medication can be used to treat and prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis. It may also reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, but scientists need to conduct additional research to confirm this. It is a tablet that is taken daily.
Before beginning treatment with any of these medications, you should discuss their potential risks and adverse effects with your healthcare provider. To aid in treating and preventing bone diseases in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis by slowing the loss of bone mass, doctors most frequently prescribe medications. However, any treatment must also focus on naturally reducing the progression of the condition. While they may be advantageous medicines for bone disorders, they are not a complete cure because the condition worsens with age. (8)
Numerous classes of medications may be effective for slowing the progression of bone disease.
Teriparatide is the most prevalent type of anabolic drugs.
There are four bisphosphonate drugs: ibandronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid, and risedronate. One of the most common brand names is Fosamax.