Denosumab (brand name Prolia) is a medication used to treat severe osteoporosis. It works by turning off the natural process of breaking down and reabsorbing bones. It is administered through a shot twice per year for up to 10 years. Denosumab has proven effective at building bone density and reducing spine and hip fractures. However, … Continued
Teriparatide (brand name Forteo) and abaloparatide (brand name Tymlos) are medications used to treat osteoporosis. Forteo is a lab-made version of human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and Tymlos is a version of human parathyroid hormone-protein. These two drugs are both similar to the PTH that your body produces naturally. PTH stimulates the production of new bone … Continued
AlgaeCal is a calcium supplement produced by AlgaeCal Inc. that is made from red algae. AlgaeCal claims that their supplements slow bone loss, increase bone density, and are easily digestible. They say that because the algae plant draws calcium and minerals from seawater, the calcium is “pre-digested” and is more bio-accessible and “bone cell friendly.” … Continued
By Caila Brander We’ve all seen the ads. Pharmaceutical-sponsored commercials and magazine spreads surround us, talking about the “silent killer” — osteoporosis. They warn us that one in two women will break a bone. That you’ll never know you have osteoporosis until you hear a sickening crack. That the only way to prevent this tragedy … Continued
There is currently only one method used routinely to screen for osteoporosis, the DEXA test (short for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). The DEXA test attempts to predict which women are at risk of bone fracture based on an assessment of their bone density. But there’s a fundamental problem with this method – bone density is not … Continued
Osteoporosis treatment has radically changed in a relatively short period. In the early 1990s, women had few treatment options. Now, there are many different types of treatments available. This has created a dilemma for women trying to decide which, if any, of these medications they need. Women want to know when it is appropriate to … Continued
I took Ipriflavone for about a year and a half in 2002, but stopped when an alternative provider recommended other treatments. Now I am 72, and a recent DEXA scan showed a much lower T-score. Is there any benefit to this drug? What has research shown? Ipriflavone is an herbal medicine made from a hormone … Continued
By Caila Brander, NWHN Policy Fellow There’s a new kid in town when it comes to osteoporosis drugs. Meet abaloparatide, brand name Tymlos, which was approved by the FDA on April 28, 2017. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you likely will soon, as manufacturer Radius Health is intent on marketing it until it’s … Continued
My doctor wants to put me on Prolia, but the list of possible reactions are frightening. Do you have any suggestions on osteoporosis prevention without medication? If medication is required, are there any safe options? I exercise daily and take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to … Continued
I have been treated with Aclasta for the last four years. My doctor wants to switch me to Prolia. He told me research has shown that using the same drug reduces its effectiveness. Is it true that Aclasta may lose effectiveness over extended use? Drugs for osteoporosis are heavily marketed and tend to have … Continued