Why Your Bone Density Might Not Improve, Even If You're Taking an Osteoporosis Drug

By Neil Gonter, MD, Health Pro Monday, August 13, 2007

- A
- A
- A

I recently had a bone density scan and the doctor told me that there was no improvement. I don't get it. I take my medication regularly, what am I doing wrong? Should I take a different medication? This is a common concern that I am consulted on. There are many issues that need to be add...

Read the rest of this post >>

Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) vs. Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel

Hide Comments | Add comment

Anne Herrington

8/22/07 12:42am

I thought taking the medication and waiting 30 min before eating was to prevent acid reflux. I think this is the first time I have seen any indication it was to improve the drug's action. I also have not seen anything saying not to take it with other medications.

Krista Kopp

8/31/07 1:10am

Recently I too had a bone density done. This was my second scan, which shows in comparison to my first scan that my T score is -3.0 whereas 2 years ago I had a -2.6. This is just on my hip. My spine shows about the same. I have changed from Actenol to Fosomax and now my dr. is trying to remove me from my ERT of Estridiol 2mg stating I have been on it too long (14 years) as I underwent surgical menopause having everything removed. The hotflashes are EXTREME when I miss even one dose and the headaches are intense like a migraine. Dr. states that the Estridiol is causing my bone loss. I am confused, I thought it was safe now I am getting conflicting advise that it caused the loss. Can you help?

J in Tulsa

4/27/10 10:19pm

I recently heard that women who have taken bone density medications for 5 or more years are now experiencing bone fractures and that these medications are now being re-evaluated.

Pam Flores, Health Guide

4/28/10 11:50am

Hi J, Yes there are some people experiencing fragility fractures from these drugs. The number of people with these fractures keeps changing, but if you'd like to read more about it here's a link from 3 reliable sources on this topic, Dr. Susan Ott from the Univ of WA, the New England Journal of Medicine, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, meeting in March 2010. See this link on long-term bisphosphonate use and the discussion from the Drs and associations listed above. Also, we had a question of the week on spontaneous femur fractures, and some of our members reported this type of fracture, if you'd like to speak with them.

Good luck...

Helen Eliashiv

10/15/07 5:42am

I have been taking Fosalax for several years. My scans didnt show any improvement though they werent any worse. I have been getting severe heartburn despite taking all precautions and following instructions and taking calcium pills and eating dairy products. I subsequently asked my doctor to change the prescription to Actonel and hope there will be a general improvement.

I am not the usual statistic for osteoporosis because:

1) I have never smoked

2) I dont drink alchohol;

3) Nothing in the family

4) I exercise

5) I havent a thin body structure

6) I eat well not junk

5) 1 took hormone treatment

Doctor Pey

11/ 2/07 5:41pm

The critical question here is what is the relationship between the lack of bone density improvement and fracture risk. i.e., does the bisphosphamate (Fosamax, Actonel,ect.) provide fracture protection despite the apparent lack of improved bone density and thus worth continuing the medicine, or are you wasting you time taking the medicine because it will not protect you from fracture? Will a different medicine give any better improvement in bone density? Dr. Gonter, is there an answer to this question?

Why Your Bone Density Might Not Improve, Even If You're Taking an Osteoporosis Drug

Ask a Question