Osteoporosis meds: How do they work?

Your question mentioned that some meds do not help you build bone. That used to be true-- until a few years ago, the meds, bisphosphonates and others, slowed the bone turnover. But newer ones that work like a hormone we have, PTH, have resulted in stronger bones. These types of meds have to be injected-- Forteo and Tymlos. Many people on this chatgroup have had bad experiences with meds, but people can have different reactions. I took Fosamax for 5 years without any bad effects. My bone density stabilized then even went up a bit. But when density started down again, my doctor (an endocrinologist) recommended Tymlos, because it has been shown to increase density in the spine. I wanted to build on what I have, not wait until I lose more. I walk on a treadmill for an hour every day and usually lift weights 2-3 times a week-- and have for 8 years, and try to get my calcium from diet, but with exercise and calcium and Vit D I still developed osteoporosis in my spine. I did not like the idea of self injecting but I tried it, and have been on Tymlos for over 6 months, with no side effects after the first week or so as I was getting used to it. Until I have a follow up bone scan, I will not know if it is increasing my density or not. But from this one person's experience, I can say that not everyone will have muscle pain etc. I understand people not wanting to use meds, but for me the natural process of bone loss in the spine is something I wanted to avoid if I could. People's bodies are different, and risks are different. Good luck with whatever decision you make. Exercise is certainly helpful.

I have had 3 infusions so far and it is easy, painless, and only takes a half an hour. I will not get my next decade scan for a while but I am really hopeful. I follow all the advice on the handout my doctor gave me, like taking calcium and vitamin D3 as well.

What kind of infusions are you doing? Have you tried any other meds?

Prolia every 6 months, I have not tried anything else except diet and exercise, but I live in the northwest so vit D3 deficient,and I am 54 but postmenopausal by 15 years and took tamoxifen, and now Arimidex. A few years back I took a leap of faith off of a bucking horse and broke quite a few bones. The doc ordered a dexascan and I started prolia and vitaminD3, and calcium, and a walking regimen. I will find out in 6 months how well I am doing.

I am 64. A year ago, I finally listened to my endocrinologist (who had been urging me for years to treat my osteoporosis), and received my first prolia injection. Each bone density test had shown a prgressive and alarming decline in bone density. I will have another bone density test in May and hope the results are good. I let my somewhat irrational fears of medication overrule my decision making. The thought of a hip fracture and the loss of independence really scares me. I now regret not starting treatment sooner.

My doctor really emphasizes the vitd. She prefers that you get calcium from food as opposed to supplements. Your bones still need calcium even when on meds and vit d helps absorb calcium. I am very well-behaved when it comes to taking my vit. D. Use the vit d drops and drop directly on my tongue as per doc's instructions.