Treating osteoporosis

Abstract

The aims of treatment of established osteoporosis are the alleviation of symptoms and reduction of the risk of further fractures. Currently available drugs are used to prevent further bone loss and can reduce the risk of further fractures by up to 50%. Drugs to increase bone mass inhibit bone resorption or stimulate bone formation. Most drugs approved for use in osteoporosis inhibit bone resorption, but some of these (e.g. hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bisphosphonates) increase BMD by 5–10% over the first 2 years of treatment. However, this contribution notes that drug treatments should be monitored by BMD, because some patients fail to respond to certain drugs. There is also evidence that the rate of bone loss is accelerated once treatment is stopped; it is therefore important to measure BMD or bone turnover markers after stopping treatment.