1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Osteoporosis meds: How do they work?

Posted by grandmabubblestwin @grandmabubblestwin, Nov 11, 2016

I've been reading about osteoporosis and this is what I've seen so far: An individual builds bone until about age 30 then they begin to lose bone. Osteo meds do not help you build bone, they may actually prevent the natural bone building process but they do help you retain the bone you have but can make bone brittle. Correct?

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

Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Jun 8, 2018
In reply to @jaleen "Posted by Jaleen: Before you go on Prolia, I suggest that you log in on: "Center..." + (show)
@jaleen

Posted by Jaleen:
Before you go on Prolia, I suggest that you log in on: "Center for Health Journalism" and click on "Prolia: Another wonder drug that wasn't".
I've spent countless hours studying Prolia and every time that I re-examined this medication, I came to the conclusion that, in spite of my severe osteoporosis (at -3.5), the risks of taking this drug far outweigh any promised benefits. I'm eating right, taking calcium and Vitamin D and K along with my regular meds, pole-walking and doing floor exercises. At 85, I feel great and see no reason to change what I am doing. To all persons in the Mayo Clinic chat room, I'd like to say - DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON THIS AND ANY OTHER MEDS THAT PROMISE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BONES! I've read dozens of user reviews, and for every review that reported improved dexa-scan scores and no side effects, there are at least 5 others who reported that since taking this drug, their lives have been turned upside down with pain and other bad reactions and they warn others on the dangers of this drug! I am glad that, from the start, I decided to say "no" to Prolia or any other drug (such as Forteo) that purports to build bone density. For me, it was the right decision.

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Hello @madgee49. I am not a medical professional, nor do we give medical advice on Mayo Clinic, but I can help provide some resources from Mayo Clinic to help shed light on your question. Since we all tolerate medications so differently, it is hard to know exactly how a medication will work, but here are a few links that may help provide a bit more information:

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/expert-answers/osteoporosis-drug-risks/faq-20058121

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showgringirl | @showgringirl | Jun 10, 2018

Yes, I think that is correct. You can fact check with the National Osteoporosis Foundation and probably with Mayo web resources. As one concerned with this issue I also follow The Cleveland Clinic AND emphasize to myself to continue weight bearing exercise and avoid those known bone loss habits like tobacco, excess alcohol, etc, since I have to take medications like gabapentin and steroids for my illness.

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9 replies
evysar26 | @evysar26 | Jun 11, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

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I was just diagnosed with severe osteoporosis T-4.13 lumber and Left femoral neck. I had a bad fall and fratured T12.

I am on a lot of supplements for bone health and statred tweaking my diet for optimal bone health.
I have second thoughts on having the Prolia injection and is still on the fence.

I am 69 and consider myself active and healthy until the fall.

Any thoughts in this??Pleae...

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1 reply
dazlin | @dazlin | Jun 11, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

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If I were you, I'd research and research prolia, and that goes for any drug you may consider. You have to weigh the pros and cons..then really up to you. Google a good diet for bone health that includes home cooking and supplements. All that said, I'm believing some of us are just prone to osteoporosis for many other reasons besides diet and lifestyle. I still try the diet and lifestyle because its healthy...I can't tolerate those drugs. The rest is in Gods hands. Hope you heal quickly, and rebound on whatever you enjoy!

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tessie | @tessie | Jun 11, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

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Prolia is an injection. What of breast cancer risk. I have no idea. In my two opinions, medicine is beneficial, however short term. Would 20 years research answer my question? I doubt it. Secondly, I want to live a ripe old age. It's a risk I take right now until proven otherwise.

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cherriann | @cherriann | Jun 11, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

Jump to this post

Over the course of a number of years, I have taken Fosamax, but stopped when leg cramps and groin pain were waking me up nights regularly. I also experienced stomach burning despite always staying upright for extended amounts of time after taking the medication. I took it five years, and then went off it for three years. My doctor then urged me to start taking it again, and once more the pain and cramps returned. I have several acquaintances who have had serious jaw issues after taking these drugs, thankfully I have not experienced that, though I did have some occasional jaw aching. For me, I won't be taking ANY of these drugs again. Until research/science can offer drugs with better results and less side effects, I will continue my present practice of a healthy diet and exercise. Since stopping the Fosamax, at 66 years old I feel 100% better.

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jimma | @jimma | Jun 13, 2018
In reply to @tessie "Osteoporosis; of course the Doc says, weight bearing exercise but no, after several years cycling, walking..." + (show)
@tessie

Osteoporosis; of course the Doc says, weight bearing exercise but no, after several years cycling, walking and fitness club, I still lost bone density.... long story. I take Calcium and Vit. D. Further, I have received my first Prolia injection each once every 6-months. We'll see. Doc said the worse is suffering broken hip. Worse than cancer he said. Thanks for writing grandmabubblestwin.

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Drop the calcium like a hot patato. Substitute 1000 mcg of K2. Keep taking the D3 at about 15,000 iu daily with zinc and vitamin A, you must also take 600 mg of magnesium citrate or better yet magnesium L- Threonate. Don’t take any supplement calcium, it leads to strokes and cancer. Eat dark greens instead. Do your own research, check this out!

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elaine66 | @elaine66 | Jun 13, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

Jump to this post

I have been on Prolia for 3 hrs and have no significant increase in bone density. The last shot caused severe hip and lower leg pains. I do not think I will continue with Prolia.

REPLY
jimma | @jimma | Jun 13, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis. While it..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grandmabubblestwin, and welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your concerns about osteoporosis.

While it may not be "reversing" bone loss in the normal aging process, you may find the following post from Mayo Clinic interesting regarding using exercise to strengthen your muscles around your bones to prevent further damage, http://mayocl.in/2fY805R. You may also want to check out the very long discussion taking place in the discussion called "Treating Osteoporosis" here, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

I would like to invite @dolan to this conversation as she recently discussed using osteo meds to build and maintain bone density. I would also like to introduce @jaleen who did a lot of research on osteoporosis medications and may be able to offer some insight.

@grandmabubblestwin, have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are you just concerned about getting it?

Jump to this post

You can build your bone! Watch this video

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