So what happens when it’s too late and we’ve already been diagnosed with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia? (This means you are 2 standard deviations off the normal bone density for your sex and age group).
While Calcium supplements might seem like a good idea, the latest data suggests that it won’t have much of an impact – why? Because most people don’t take them everyday like they are supposed to. Yeah yea, I know transplant patients are supposed to be better at this – but the data’s the data!
So what’s next? Well, there is a class of medications called Bisphosphonates - they inhibit Osteoclast production (The cells that are responsible for taking down the scaffolding). The theory is if you stop or slow down bone destruction, then the body will continually build bone. Drugs like Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel all provide this benefit – they do come with side effects (Bone pain, aches, flu like symptoms).
As you might recall – bone production requires two things – vitamin D (+ sunlight) and Calcium – so if you Calcium levels are not high enough, or your vitamin D levels are not high enough then these medications won’t work.
So what’s the difference between these medications?
Boniva is once a month – easy for those of you have bad side effects and or can’t remember to take your medications.
Fosamax and Actonel is weekly – however – some patients report for side effects with Actonel.
Finally there is a new sibling on the block – another medication that early reports suggest will be 1 year dosing – however it must be given via an IV – so perhaps it’s not the best option for everyone.
