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Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help
Which medications are commonly used for osteoporosis treatment?
How do most osteoporosis medications work?
How do you know if you're taking the right bisphosphonate?
When might other osteoporosis medications be used?
Can bisphosphonates hurt your bones?
How long should you take a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis treatment?
What happens if you break a bone while taking an osteoporosis medication?
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Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first?
What are common side effects of bisphosphonate pills?
Do intravenous bisphosphonates have advantages over the pill form?
Can osteoporosis medications hurt your bones?
Should I take a drug holiday from bisphosphonates?
Are hormones used to treat osteoporosis?
How do osteoporosis medications work?
Which drugs help speed up the bone-building process?
Can medication alone successfully treat osteoporosis?
Can medication alone successfully treat osteoporosis?
Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important:
- Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and reduce the chance of a fracture. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone.
- Good nutrition. Eat a healthy diet and make certain that you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up bone loss.
- Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy women, that means up to one drink a day. For healthy men, it would be up to two drinks a day.