Medication, does it really help, or could it make your condition worse

Posted by cez @cez, Jun 30, 2023

Has anyone been told that the osteoporosis medications do not help, and may actually make your bones more susceptible to fractures?
My chiropractor, a very knowledgeable and medically current professional- is not a fan of any of the medication choices. He tells me the medication will build a shell around the bone, therefore the dex scan will lead you to believe the rx is working, but in reality, there has been no improvement in the actual bone mass.
Of course, my endocrinologist defends the medication treatment and when asked if she would trust it for her own mother, she tells me, “yes, she would put her mother on Reclast.”
I really hate making this decision!

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

Hello @cez, Welcome to Connect. You are alone when it comes to hating to make decisions on whether or not to take a medication. A good doctor that you trust can go along way to alleviate any fears you might have but it also pays to be your own advocate and learn as much as you can about the choices available and what is best for you due to your specific health risks. Here are a few related discussions you may find helpful while you want for others to respond to your question.

--- What helps improve osteoporosis without medication?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/healing-osteoporosis-without-medication/
--- New to Osteporosis: Questions, support and tips: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-osteporosis/
--- Osteoporosis: What tests confirm diagnosis and treatment options?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/osteoporosis-meds/.

Here is a reference article that may help you with your decision or that you can discuss with your doctor.
--- Osteoporosis: How effective are the medications used to prevent bone fractures?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532851/

REPLY

Thank you very much.
I appreciate the links to more information and research.

REPLY
@cez

Thank you very much.
I appreciate the links to more information and research.

Jump to this post

Please let us know what answers you come up with. One of the reasons I have long refused medications to prevent bone fractures is that one of the side effects, albeit rare, of some is that they can cause fractures.

REPLY

The chiropractor is incorrect about three of the available medications, Tymlos, Forteo and to some extent Evenity. Tymlos and Forteo are anabolics that build quality bone. Evenity is part anabolic and part anti-resorptive (especially toward the end of the year).

Bisphosphonates can be used up to 5 years with low risk of atypical femur fractures or jaw necrosis. Prolia is the other med that over time might cause more brittle bones.

This info is from two docs and from Keith McCormick's book "Great Bones."

The big issue in osteoporosis care is what sequence you do meds. Insurance companies require trying bisphosphonates or Prolia first, but those meds may make the anabolics less effective. Also, if you do, say, Tymlos, you can "lock in" gains with a bisphosphonate, usually Reclast, and may be able to take a break with meds if monitored closely.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.