NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Reply: Pre-osteopeniaDXA machines were not commercially available until the mid-90s, so a...
DXA machines were not commercially available until the mid-90s, so a bone density test on a central DXA machine could not have been performed 20 years ago. Also, due to the constant changes in DXA technology, it's unlikely that a test at age 30 would be comparable to a test performed 20 or more years later. There are other reasons why bone density testing is not recommended for most premenopausal women. For the majority of healthy women, bone density will remain pretty stable from the time of peak bone mass until menopause. Even if bone density is low to begin with, it usually is not a cause for concern until the menopausal years. For more information on this topic, please see Low Bone Density and Osteoporosis in Young Adult Women
During the early postmenopausal years bone density tends to drop quickly, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. For women who have risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures, this is a good time to start monitoring bone density. The bone density test can help a woman and her healthcare provider to decide whether treatment is necessary at that time.
All women should maintain healthy habits to protect health at every age, regardless of her bone density. This includes getting the recommended amounts of calcium, vitamin D, exercise and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Please also keep in mind that there are many "natural supplements" on the market right now claiming to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of broken bones. There are, however, no such supplements with the necessary research and regulation proving that these products are safe and that they actually reduce the risk of broken bones. Dietary supplements are not substitutes for FDA approved medications to reduce fracture risk. Make sure you discuss all supplements and medications you take with your pharmacist and healthcare provider to make sure they are safe.View Thread
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Register for NOF’s Free Event!NOF invites you to participate in our free live educational webinar ...
NOF invites you to participate in our free live educational webinar
Update on Osteoporosis Treatment Options
Presented by Felicia Cosman, MD
Wednesday, December 1 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST
Make sure to register for the fourth webinar in NOF's Healthy Bones, Build Them for Life ™ webinar series . You will be able to see and hear this live presentation. The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session. To learn more click here .View Thread
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Delayed-release medication approved by the FDAThis week, the FDA approved a new formulation of risedronate...
This week, the FDA approved a new formulation of risedronate (Actonel). The new medication, called Atelvia, is a delayed-release bisphosphonate medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Unlike the other bisphosphonate pills which need to be taken on an empty stomach, this medication is taken immediately after breakfast. We expect Atelvia to be available in the beginning of 2011. To learn more about the this medication, please view the medication's prescribing information .View Thread
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Reply: osteoporosis and AdvairIt's very important that your mother works closely with her doctor...
It's very important that your mother works closely with her doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment to control her COPD while also reducing her risk of fractures. COPD is a serious condition and people affected need to work closely with their doctor to make sure their symptoms are well controlled. While the steroids taken by mouth appear to cause the most bone loss problems, taking Advair may also increase her risk of bone loss. Depending on her bone density and her other risk factors for having a fracture, she may need to take an osteoporosis medication. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, exercise and fall prevention are also important for reducing her risk of fracture. Visit www.nof.org for more information on these topics.View Thread
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NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Reply: What are my options, NOW?Visit the following pages for detailed information about the...
Visit the following pages for detailed information about the osteoporosis medications currently approved by the FDA for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis:
Choosing a Treatment
Osteoporosis Medicines (including risks and benefits of the treatments currently available)
Concerns About Bisphosphonates
Maximizing Your Treatment
Visit www.nof.org for more information about osteoporosis medications. Also, since you are considering a procedure to stabilize your spine, you may be interested in a new electronic "booklet" about the spine that we will be adding to the NOF website in a few weeks. Check www.nof.org for this information around October 20th. We hope this information is helpful to you.View Thread
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Reply: ProliaBelow is information from NOF about denosumab (Brand name Prolia)....
Below is information from NOF about denosumab (Brand name Prolia). Dr. Michael Lewiecki posted an excellent discussion a while back called "Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Osteoporosis Treatment ." This discussion may help you in your decision making process.
In June 2010, Denosumab was approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture or breaking a bone. According to the package insert, being at high risk of fracture means that you meet one or more of the following conditions:
-you have already broken a bone from osteoporosis
-you have several risk factors for breaking a bone
-you have not been able to take other osteoporosis medicines due to side effects
-you have not received enough benefit from other osteoporosis medicines
Denosumab is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor/human monoclonal antibody. A healthcare professional gives denosumab by injection every six months. Patients need to have a blood test before each dose to confirm that blood calcium level is normal. As for all people with osteoporosis, it is very important to get enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise every day.
In clinical trials, denosumab significantly reduced the incidence of new spine fractures by 68 percent, reduced the incidence of hip fractures by 40 percent and reduced the incidence of all non-spine fractures by 20 percent over three years.
Side Effects
Denosumab may lower the calcium levels in the blood. If blood calcium levels are low before receiving denosumab, the low calcium level must be corrected before giving the medicine or it will get worse. Signs of low calcium levels include spasms, twitches or cramps in the muscles; or numbness and tingling in the fingers, toes or around the mouth. If any of these symptoms are seen while on this medicine, patients should contact their healthcare provider. Most patients with low calcium levels, however, do not show these signs.
People who have weak immune systems or take other medicines that affect the immune system may have an increased chance of having serious infections with denosumab. Even patients who have no immune system problems may be at higher risk of certain infections such as those of the skin. Patients should contact their healthcare provider right away if signs of infection occur. These signs may include fever, chills, red and swollen skin, skin that is hot or sore to the touch, severe pains in the abdomen, or pain or burning when passing urine or passing urine more frequently and in small amounts.
Denosumab may also cause skin rashes. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal skin-related symptoms. Denosumab has caused osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) when used to treat patients with cancer although at this time, these have not been seen in patients with osteoporosis. Patients should practice good dental care during treatment and should have an examination of the mouth by a doctor or dentist before starting the medicine.
Other side effects can include back pain and musculoskeletal pain in the arms and legs.View Thread
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