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Drug Treatment

We tailored drug use to the needs of the individual patient.

At London Osteoporosis Clinic any drug is only used as part of holistic care.

Schematic illustration of the effect of an anabolic or a bone-building agent, followed by an antiresorptive on spine BMD (a) and on vertebral fracture incidence in postmenopausal women with high fracture risk, defined by previous vertebral fracture and low BMD (b).

Bisphosphonates

There are several different kinds of bisphosphonate. Some are taken by mouth, while others are given by intravenous injection (a slow injection into a vein).  Pamidronate, ibandronate and zoledronate are all types of bisphosphonates. Read more about bisphosphonates.

Teriparatide and parathyroid hormone

These help regulate calcium levels in your blood.  They come in a ‘pen’ syringe and are injected under your skin. Read more about teriparatide and parathyroid hormone.

Denosumab

This is used for postmenopausal women who can not take bisphosphonates and in men who develop osteoporosis as a result of treatments for prostate cancer. Read more about denosumab.

Raloxifene

This is used to treat spinal osteoporosis in post-menopausal women following a fracture. It is given in a tablet form and taken daily. Read more about raloxifene.

Calcitonin

This is not used in the UK, only available as an injection to cut pain from pelvic and vertebral fractures in the time shortly after they occur.  It should only be used for a most of 4 weeks. Read more about calcitonin.

Strontium ranelate

This is taken daily at least 2 hours before or after food. It comes as a powder which you mix with water.

HRT

It is mainly used as a short-term therapy for early post-menopausal women with increased fracture risk who have troublesome menopausal symptoms. Read more about HRT.

Calcium and vitamin D

Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk of fractures.  You usually require supplements to help cut your risk and to promote better responses to other treatments for osteoporosis. Read more about calcium and vitamin D.

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