Comparison of Osteoporosis Treatment
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Increases BMD? | Physiological Function | Prerequisite | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZorb® | Calcium Aspartate Anhydrous | Yes | Stimulates osteoblasts* to create more new bone mass. | None | No known side effects. |
| Fosamax® Actonel® Boniva® Reclast® Atelvia® |
Bisphosphonates | No | Retains old bone mass by killing osteoclasts.** | Calcium/Vit.D | Blood in stool and urine, fatigue, stomach ulcers, nausea, hair loss, headache, blurred vision, heartburn,joint pain, constipation, weight gain, diarrhea, chest pain. |
| Evista® | Raloxifene | No | Acts as an estrogen. | Calcium/Vit.D | Blood clots in the veins, hot flashes, cramps, swelling, sleep difficulty, depression, speech problems. |
| Forteo® Tymlos® |
Teriparatide Abaloparatide |
Yes | Acts as parathyroid hormone. | Calcium/Vit.D | Causing bone cancer in lab rats, dizziness, leg cramps, chest pain, vomiting, constipation, sluggishness. |
| Prolia® | Denosumab | No | Retains old bone mass by slowing down osteoclasts development. | Calcium/Vit.D | Joint and muscle pain in the arms and legs, dead jaw bones, low blood calcium level, hypersensitivity allergy reactions. |
Healthy bones are constantly rebuilding themselves. Old bone mass is broken down and removed by osteoclasts and new bone mass is formed by osteoblasts.
* Osteoblasts are cells that are responsible for creating new bone mass.
** Osteoclasts are cells associated with bone resorption.