Question 1

are osteporosis drugs bisphosphonates ?

Accepted Answer

Not always: Bisphosphonates are one class of medications that can used to treat osteoporosis. But there other medication including hormones that can be used.

Question 2

what are bisphosphonates mostly used to treat?

Accepted Answer

Osteopenia: Used to replenish bone in people diagnosed with osteopenia, which leads to fragility fractures.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: bisphosphonate?

Accepted Answer

To treat osteoporosi: Bisphosphonate are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone mass.They are used to treat osteoporosis and related bone metabolic diseases such as paget's disiease.The more used ones are:actonel, fosamax, dridronel, reclast, (zoledronic acid) Boniva and zometa.They can be taken either daily, once a week, once a month and in persons having problem taking it orally ther is an inyectable form as well.

Question 4

which bisphosphonate has the best efficacy & safety profile?

Accepted Answer

good question but...: That is a good question, but difficult to answer. They all have long-term effects, so it will be a long time before answers are known. It is a question to discuss with your doctor. Get a second opinion if you have lingering concerns.

Question 5

on methotextrate for 2.5 years. don't never prescribed bisphosphonate. is it necessary? can i take calcium/vit d or eat foods rich in them instead?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis MTX: Osteoporosis is not a side effect of low dose mtx calcium and vitamin d supplements may help at your age to prevent osteopenia.

Question 6

what are bisphosphonates side effects?

Accepted Answer

Heartburn and: Irritation of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus), if you are taking bisphosphonate pills. These side effects can usually be avoided by following instructions for taking your medicine.Headache; constipation, diarrhea, and passing gas; and muscle and joint pain, if you are taking intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate shots.There are more serious side effect but very common.

Question 7

has anybody tried bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Not the best: Bisphosphonates can reduce fracture and raise you DEXA scan scores but they donot build bone.  If you are osteoporotic and have already had a fracture, consider Forteo to build bone first.

Question 8

are there any good alternatives to bisphosphonates for osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Prolia is a highly effective drug for osteoporosis.  Evista (raloxifene) ( for women) is less potent but reasonably effective.  Forteo is the only drug which stiumulates new bone formation but is expensive and has to be self-injected every day.  Estrogen ( for women) is effective but not generally used in the absence of postmenopausal symptoms.

Question 9

memory problems due to taking bisphosphonates?

Accepted Answer

Not listed: The adverse events listed as associated with the bisphosphonates does not include memory problems. But since memory problems can be associated with aging and the bisphosphonates are typically prescribed to elderly patients, it is most like the memory problems are due to aging rather than to the bisphosphonates. If memory problems are developing then they should be evaluated by pcp.

Question 10

could bone be replaced by oral bisphosphonates ?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Bisphosphonates (plus serm and new rankl antagonist) slow down loss of bone but still depend upon your own ability to build it back up since bone growth depends upon growth being greater than loss. Only recombinant PTH (known as teriparatide) actually stimulates overall bone growth. Either way, you still need calcium & vitamin d. New study says all are equally effective.

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Doctor answers about:

Bisphosphonates medication

A member asked:

Are osteporosis drugs bisphosphonates ?

A member asked:

What are bisphosphonates mostly used to treat?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: bisphosphonate?

A member asked:

Which bisphosphonate has the best efficacy & safety profile?

A member asked:

On methotextrate for 2.5 years. don't never prescribed bisphosphonate. is it necessary? can i take calcium/vit d or eat foods rich in them instead?

A member asked:

What are bisphosphonates side effects?

A member asked:

Has anybody tried bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis?

A member asked:

Are there any good alternatives to bisphosphonates for osteoporosis?

A member asked:

Memory problems due to taking bisphosphonates?

A member asked:

Could bone be replaced by oral bisphosphonates ?

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