Bisphosphonates: Alendronate (Fosamax) and Risedronate (Actonel)
Taken: daily or weekly
Ibandronate (Boniva by Roche):once a month dose. New drug.
Side Effects: taken on an empty stomache, no bending or lying down for 30 min after taking the pill. abdominal pain, upset stomach and nausea. Not recommended for people with kidney problem.
Estrogen
At higher dose: side effetcs increase risk of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer.
Raloxifene (Evista) : works like estrogen without the side effects except increase risk of blood clots.
Teraparatide (Forteo): given daily injection, 65% effective in decreasing fracture. Risk is nor fully understand and use cautiously. Not used for patient with bone cancer and had skeletal radiation theraphy.