Summary of Treatment
Our summary of treatment provides an overview of evidence-based treatment for osteoporosis management.
Drug therapy
If bone density is low, the doctor may recommend starting anti-osteoporosis medication. Currently, there are different types of medications to choose from, each with different mechanisms and effects. The doctor will select the appropriate medication based on your degree of osteoporosis and fracture risk. The table represents the therapeutic effects of different medications on osteoporosis, with “*” indicating bisphosphonates as subsequent treatment.
| Drug class | Anti-resorptive for bone pain | Double effect | Bone-building effect | ||||
| Selective estrogen receptor modulators | Bisphosphonates | Denosumab injection (mimics bone-protecting hormone) | Sclerostin inhibitors | Parathyroid hormone injection | |||
| Therapeutic effects | Spine | Efficacious | Efficacious | Efficacious | Efficacious | Efficacious | |
| Non-spine | Insufficient evidence | Depends on different medications | Efficacious | Efficacious* | Efficacious | ||
| Hip | Insufficient evidence | Depends on different medications | Efficacious | Efficacious* | Efficacious | ||
| Treatment regimen | Oral administration Once daily | Oral administration once daily or intravenous injection once a year | Subcutaneous injection every six months | Subcutaneous injection once a month | Subcutaneous injection once daily | ||
| Precautions | Calcium sufficiency1 | ||||||
| Invasive dental procedures should be communicated to the doctor and dentist in advance. | Needle should be changed before each daily injection. | ||||||
| Blood clots risk increase.2 | Medication on an empty stomach3, 4 | Inform the doctor if allergic symptoms occur after injection. | One year treatment duration & not recommended for heart stroke patients | Cumulative use exceeding two years is not recommended. | |||
1Correction of low blood calcium levels (if present) is necessary before starting the treatment; Sufficient calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be maintained throughout the course.
2The medication may increase the risk of blood clots.
Inform the doctor in advance if engaging in prolonged periods of immobility such as long flights, etc.
3Take the medication on an empty stomach with a large glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
4Fever, muscle pain, headache, or flu-like symptoms may occur after infusion.
*Indicates bisphosphonate as follow-up treatment.4. Kanis JA, et al. Osteoporos Int. 2020;31:1-12.
Disclaimer: If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, we strongly advise you to consult and discuss with your healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.