How Osteoporosis Medication Works

Osteoporosis medication is used, along with calcium supplements and exercise, to counteract the effects of brittle bone diseases. The medications and other treatments doctors prescribe can preserve bone mass and slow the weakening of bones, but no treatment is able to completely restore bones to their original condition.

Osteoporosis is caused by the resorption of more bone than the body can build, leading to weak and brittle bones that are prone to breakage. The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention, but there are a number of ways to slow down its progression. Several types of osteoporosis medication have proven to be effective in the treatment of this disease.

Types of Osteoporosis Medication

Osteoporosis medication can rebalance the bone remodeling process, slowing down the resorption of bone tissue so the body can rebuild. These medications can restore bone density and prevent the fractures associated with this disease that sometimes lead to incapacity or even death.

One type of osteoporosis medication, bisphosphonates, works by penetrating the bone and binding with the cells that are in the process of being reabsorbed. This interferes with the actions of the osteoclasts, the cells responsible for resorption. Similarly, the naturally occurring hormone calcitonin binds to the osteoclasts themselves and inhibits their actions. In addition to preventing bone loss, calcitonin may also relieve the bone pain associated with osteoporosis. Another hormone, teriparatide, boosts the formation of bones when given intermittently.

Lower tech, but highly effective, forms of medication for osteoporosis are vitamin D and calcium supplements. Everyone needs calcium throughout their lives, but post-menopausal women are at greatest risk of deficiency and require 1,200 mg per day. Vitamin D is also needed to help in the absorption of calcium by the body. High levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body from childhood through adulthood can prevent osteoporosis from developing.

These medications and supplements work together to stop the resorption of bone by the body, preserving bone mass and preventing fractures. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide which osteoporosis medication, or combination of medications, is right for you.