Effective medication for Osteoporosis

Posted by anjub @anjub, Jan 2 9:52am

I have been taking Actonel 35mg/weekly dose for almost a year now - my T score did not improve and I am having issues with jaw locking when I try to open my mouth wide for eating (like a sandwich or brushing). I am thinking of switching my medication - any recommendations for a medicine that has promise for improving bone health and with no serious side effects - Bisphosphonates have this serious risk of causing hip fractures).

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 2 11:14am

Have you been prescribed anything prior to actonel? What information did your PCP or endocrinologist share with you about actonel and what is she/he saying about the symptoms you have shared here? Make sure you are doing plenty of research on osteoporosis. Mayo Connect is a great resource. If you haven't already make sure you are reading through this forum on osteoporosis. You will get lots of responses here.

anjub | @anjub | Jan 2 11:40am

Actonel was the first medicine I was prescribed by my Dr as I just found out last year that I have Osteoporosis in the lumbar region and Hip. Of all the options I looked, nothing stood out promising and each had a long list of side effects which really scared me. I know I need to go on some medication but don't know enough about those to see which ones show promise. I am looking for a Rheumatologist and will work with him/her for a plan but they will also ask if I have a preference for something so was trying to do some research and look for recommendations. Thanks in advance.

oopsiedaisy | @oopsiedaisy | Jan 2 2:01pm

Definitely try to get a referral to a rheumatologist or endocrinologist. There are so many medications and all come with pros and cons.

Bisphosphonates slow down bone resorption but also reduce bone formation. Basically, they are trying to preserve what bone you have. These are Fosamax (Alendronate), Actonel (Risedronate), Reclast (Zolendronate).

There is also a class of drugs that help you build new bone. Two are anabolic drugs based on the parathyroid hormone which controls the mechanism of bone. These are typically used in severe osteoporosis where the individual has very low T-scores and a high risk of fracture, or in individuals who have already fractured. These are Tymlos (abaloparatide) and Forteo (teriparatide).

There is also another drug that uses monoclonal antibodies to suppress the cells that break down bone. This is called Prolia (denosumab).

And there is a new drug also based on antibodies that promotes bone formation. This is called Evenity (Romosozumab).