Combination Therapy Positive for Osteoporosis
Combination Therapy Positive for Osteoporosis
Bisphosphonates are a widely prescribed group of drugs for the prevention
or treatment of osteoporosis. Examples include alendronate
(Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and zoledronic acid (Reclast). These
drugs prevent the resorption or loss of calcium from bones. Loss of bone
structure weakens and makes our bones more prone to breaking. Another
type of osteoporosis drug is parathyroid hormone, also known as
teriparatide (Forteo). It decreases the risk of osteoporosis in a different
way – by stimulating bone cell growth. It seems logical that a combination
of a drug like Forteo and one of the others that prevent the loss of calcium
from bone would be a good idea. However, studies have shown that
Forteo may not work as well when combined with other oral
bisphosphonate type drugs.
A more recent study, however, involving over 400 postmenopausal
women indicates that combination therapy (Reclast and Forteo), may in
fact be an ideal treatment and preferred over either drug taken alone for
bone loss in the spine and hip. More studies are needed to confirm the
value of this drug combination.