Treatment for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become weak and easily fractured. Older women who have reached menopause are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to low estrogen levels. Read more about osteoporosis here. If you have an estimated 10-year risk of hip fractures ≥3% and major osteoporosis-related fractures ≥20%, or already sustained an osteoporotic fracture, treatment is recommended.

The most common treatment for osteoporosis is bisphosphonates. These slow down the process of bone breakdown and removal. Common ones include:

• Alendronate/Fosamax: this is an oral pill taken once a week, and reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures
• Risedronate/Actonel: this is an oral pill taken once a week or once a month, and reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures

What do  I need to take note of when taking bisphosphonates?

• Take them first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach
• Remain upright/do not lie down for at least 30 minutes
• Wait for at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take other medications

These can help reduce the side effects of acid reflux. There is a slightly increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw – do let your dentist know if you need any invasive dental work done. 

How do I know if my osteoporosis treatment is working?

You will be asked to repeat your bone mineral density (BMD) test in a few years after starting treatment to monitor for your response to treatment. 

Do I need to do anything else other than taking medications?

Yes, it is recommended that you do the following in addition to taking your medications:

• Healthy eating with sufficient calcium and vitamin D (from diet, supplements or both): for women who are not yet menopause, take 1000mg of calcium/day and 600IU vitamin D/day and for women who are menopause, take 1200mg of calcium/day and 800IU vitamin D/day
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine
• Weight-bearing exercise: examples include jogging, jumping, brisk walking, at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time 
• Avoiding falls: ensure good lighting, non-slip surfaces, no obstacles at home and outside. Check your vision regularly.