Medications That Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Bisphosphonates
Drug Type
Brand Name
How It Works
Side Effects
SERMs
Drug Type
Brand Name
How It Works
Side Effects
Calcitonin
Drug Type
Brand Name
How It Works
Side Effects
Parathyroid Hormone
Drug Type
Brand Name
How It Works
Side Effects
Bisphosphonate
Fosamax®
Inhibits the cells in the skeleton that break down bone; decreases bone loss and allows bone mass to increase
Gastrointestinal problems: musculoskeletal pain and/or headache
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Evista®
Binds to the same receptor in bone as estrogen binds, and so mimics estrogen’s beneficial effects on bone density
Hot flashes, leg cramps
Calcitonin
Miacalcin®
Prescription nasal spray for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women more than 5 years after menopause for which estrogens are not an option
Nasal symptoms (runny nose, crusting, nosebleed, etc.), back and/or joint pain, and headache
Teriparatide (PTH 1-34)
Fortéo®
Teriparatide is a man-made form of the active part of a natural hormone that is injected by the patient. It works by increasing bone mass and strength which decreases the chance of getting a fracture
Dizziness, leg cramps, angina, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, constipation, sluggishness, angina