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Treatments

Did you know?

Osteoporosis leads to fragility fractures. These are broken bones that happen from a minor injury but have major consequences such as pain, disability and sometimes death. Osteoporosis Canada supports the use of medications that have been proven, in good clinical trials, to significantly reduce a person’s risk of fracture. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of fracture and prevent or slow bone loss.

For those living with osteoporosis, there are a variety of treatment options available. Everyone is different – some people respond better to one drug than another, while some experience side effects that others don’t. You may need to explore several treatment options before you find one that works for you.

It’s important to speak to your doctor to assess the benefits and risks of each treatment and determine which is best for you.

Fewer than 20% of fracture patients in Canada currently undergo diagnosis or adequate treatment for osteoporosis.


Osteoporosis Treatments

Specific drug treatments to treat osteoporosis include:

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are the most common family of drugs used to treat osteoporosis. They are part of the group of osteoporosis medications known as anti-resorptives. There are four bisphosphonates currently approved for use in Canada: alendronate (Fosamax ®), etidronate (Didrocal ®), risedronate (Actonel ®) and zoledronic acid (Aclasta®). Also available are: Actonel DR™, Fosavance® (Fosamax® with vitamin D) and several generic versions and biosimilar.


Denosumab

Denosumab is a class of osteoporosis treatment called a human monoclonal anti-body that inhibits the development and activation of osteoclasts (the cells that eat away bone). It is an anti-resorptive. It is very important not to miss, delay or stop denosumab injections, unless directed by your doctor. Missing or delaying a denosumab injection can lead to rapid bone loss and risk of spine fractures.


Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid hormone analogues belong to a class of osteoporosis medications which can promote bone growth. In Canada, there are currently three commercially available products in this class. The generic name of these medications is teriparatide.


Hormone Therapy (HT)

Hormone Therapy (HT) or estrogen/progesterone, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. However, because estrogen plays such an important role in maintaining bone, HT is another option to consider to treat osteoporosis if you are also seeking relief from symptoms of menopause.


Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

Raloxifene (Evista®) is from a family of drugs called SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators).


Romosozumab

Romosozumab is a new class of osteoporosis treatment, a sclerostin inhibitor that both increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption. Romosozumab (Evenity™) is the first treatment approved by Health Canada in this class.


Biosimilars

A biosimilar medication is a biologic drug that is highly similar (but not identical) to an existing biologic medication that has already been authorized for use and for sale. A biosimilar medication is not a generic medication which is identical to the originator molecule.


Provincial and Territorial Drug Coverage for Osteoporosis Treatment

Provincial and Territorial drug plans may cover certain treatments only for certain patients.


In addition to taking an osteoporosis treatment,  individuals should aim to get their recommended daily allowance of bone building nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, protein, vitamin K and magnesium.

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