While bone seems hard as a rock it is constantly renewing itself. Old bone is removed (bone resorption) and replaced by new bone (bone formation). When it's in balance, humans maintain normal bone density. Abnormal bone density may be due to aging or drugs.
When bone loss exceeds formation to the degree that bone density drops and patients are at significant risks for fractures, osteoporosis (OP) is present. This may be due to aging, most commonly in women after menopause due to their loss of estrogen. Also, it is common among elderly men, especially in those who smoke or use alcohol excessively. Or OP may be caused by taking steroid medications such as prednisone, prednisolone, or cortisone. Steroids slow bone formation, interfere with the body's handling of calcium, and affect levels of sex hormones, leading to increased bone loss. The same drugs may be used to prevent or treat OP.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Alendronate, Calcitonins, Estrogens, Ibandronate, Risedronate, Teriparatide
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Chlorthalidone, Etidronate, Pamidronate, Simvastatin, Zolendronic Acid
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