Actonel (risedronate) : Actonel (risedronate) and Forteo are in a class of drugs called bisphonates. These drugs are very valuable in preventing fractures of bone due to progressive loss of bone density called osteoporosis. Yes the drugs have been associated with several significant side effects, but like any drug you need to weigh the benefits against these side effects. Spinal, hip and long bone fractures can have serious life altering effects on ones life, more serious than the side effects, so if you are at risk of fracture, which your bone scan indicates, then use of these drugs are justified. This is a conversation you need to be having with your physician since they know you better than anyone on this board can. They can review the risks and benefits to help you make a decision.
Answered 10/3/2016
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Forteo : Forteo is the brand name for teriparatide, an injection containing a synthetic form of natural human hormone called parathyroid hormone (pth). Unlike other osteoporosis medications, it causes the body to build new bone. It does carry a "black box" warning for bone cancer (osteosarcoma) due to rat studies. You will need to discuss this with your physician, but my understanding is that it is very rare to find osteosarcoma in patients using forteo. It should be avoided in patients that have had radiation exposure as a child or paget's disease.
Answered 12/12/2018
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