Over time your bones begin to progressively become thinner. Only in a select few individuals does the process become dangerous to their health. Under normal circumstances men and women will reach their peak bone mass density between the ages of 25 and 35. After 35 bone tissue is normally lost at a faster rate than it is produced and can result in low trauma or low impact fractures. While most bone breaks are not life-threatening, researchers have found that individuals who suffer a fracture related to osteoporosis have a 20% greater risk of death in the following year than those who have osteoporosis and have no fractures. (1)
One treatment protocol that may be recommended will include medications that are in injectable form. While using any of these types of medications an individual should always follow a nutritious diet high in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2. Prior to being prescribed an injectable medication you must clear with your physician and pharmacist any of the medications you are already taking for other underlying medical conditions and include over-the-counter medications and homeopathic medications. Keep a current and complete list of medications, drugs and supplements you are taking to allow your physician and pharmacist to determine if there are any anticipated drug interactions that could endanger your health.
Always work with the pharmacist about the storage conditions necessary for the type of injectable medications that you are taking. Some of the medications have specific requirements to maintain the effectiveness of the drugs over the lifetime of the bottle. As you are taught to do the injection you should also learn how to inspect the medication prior to giving the injection, looking for any discoloration or particles in the bottle.
Forteo (teriparatide) is an injectable medication designed to increase the amount bone building activity as opposed to decreasing the amount of bone loss. It was shown to increase the rate of osteosarcoma (bone tumors) in animal studies before being approved by the Federal Drug Administration. The medication was eventually approved because the tumors appeared at doses higher than are normally given to humans. Because it is not known if Forteo does increase the risk of a bone tumor the medication should never be used in individuals who are at higher risk of developing bone tumors, such as those with a history of Paget\’s disease, unexplained elevations in alkaline phosphatase or prior radiation therapy of the skeletal system. (2)
Forteo is a synthetic form of the parathyroid hormone. It appears to work by increasing the bone mass density and strength, which will decrease the chances of suffering from a low trauma fracture to the hip and spine. Using these injections has several side effects which can include dizziness, leg cramps, as well is more serious side effects such as chest pain, sluggishness, muscle weakness, vomiting, constipation and nausea.
Another injectable form of osteoporosis medication is Aredia (pamidronate) which acts on the bone to regulate the calcium levels. Different from Forteo, and some of the other injectable medications, Aredia is used in individuals who suffer from Paget\’s disease and in those who have high calcium levels. Side effects can include mild fever, redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, stomach pain, nausea, constipation or an increase in bone pain. Other more serious side effects will include jaw pain, stiff muscles difficulty moving and rapid heart rate. (3)
Calcitonin injections are used for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This is a hormone that is also found in salmon and works by preventing bone thinning common in individuals who suffer from osteoporosis, and also by increasing bone density. Calcitonin is injected either subcutaneously under the skin or intramuscularly, into the muscle. It is given once a day or every other day as determined by your physician, based on medical testing he would\’ve done during the diagnosis. More recently, calcitonin has been approved for use in a nasal spray form.
Side effects include redness or swelling of the site in the injection, nausea or vomiting, increased urination at night, itching ear lobes, eye pain, feeling feverish, swelling of the feet, a salty taste in the mouth and decreased appetite. (4)
In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine researchers determined that the injection of a class of drugs called bisphosphonate (Actonel and Fosamax) can also increase bone density. The actual drug tested during the study used was Zometa. The injections were found to be effective as infrequently as once a year. Although it shows an increase in bone density it has not been proven to reduce the risk of fractures which is the goal of osteoporosis medications. (5)
Boniva, a relatively popular medication used for osteoporosis, has been approved for injection or intravenous administration on a quarterly basis. The injection is used in women who are unable to tolerate the oral medication and is an alternative for individuals who have problems with being able to sit or stand for 30 minutes after taking the oral pill. The injectable form must be administered by a medical professional, which increases the compliance of the individual taking the medication.
Injectable medications to treat osteoporosis are another option to oral medications and other therapies used to reduce bone thinning and improve bone building. The goal of treatment is to decrease the risk and prevent bone fractures from low impact trauma. With the assistance of your primary care physician individuals may want to include one of these options in their treatment plan.
(1) Journal of American Medical Association: Older Adults who Experience Osteoporotic Fracture Have Increased Risk of Death 5-10 Yearshttp://health.net.au/health-living/
http://health.net.au/health-living/ Forteo
(3) Novartis: Aredia
(4) Medline Plus: Calcitonin Salmon Injection
(5) New England Journal of Medicine: Intravenous Zoledronic Acid in Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mineral Density