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Monday, November 10, 2008 Jane W asks

Q: How can new bone be built when takiong osteoporosis medications

I take Miacalcin.  I understand that this works by preventing the process of bones breaking down and building up new tissue.  I have used it for three to four years now and did get a slight improvement but am still in the osteoporosis range. I have had three hairline fractures in my foot.  To me it seems that I might have denser bones now but these might be weaker bones since the process of bone building has been disrupted.  Should I go off the meds for a year to give my body a chance to build bone?  Jane

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11/10/08 4:13pm

Hi Jane:  Good question.  Miacalcin is a antiresorptive which means it slows bone loss, as you mentioned.  Since you have seen an increase in scores, that means the drug has done what it's suppose to.  I would talk to your Dr if you are considering a drug holiday, and see what they have to say. 

 

Miacalcin doesn't stay in the body for long periods of time like the bisphosphonates do, so I'm not sure what effect stopping it would do other than causing you to revert to faster bone loss.  Ask you Dr what s(he) thinks, maybe there is a reason to try something else since you have fractured, but only your Dr would be able to determine this.

 

None of these drugs work fast, so seeing an increase in 3-4 years is still a plus.

 

Good luck with your decision.

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