Osteoporosis

Causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when your body breaks down more bone than it makes. This often happens later in life, when the balance between bone building and breaking down becomes upset. Other factors that contribute to osteoporosis are:

• heredity: If osteoporosis runs in your family, you have a higher risk.
• Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and unhealthy diet increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Low weight: People with a low BMI have a higher risk of bone loss.
• Medication: Some medications, such as prednisone, can cause bone loss.
• Age: After age 35, your bones slowly begin to weaken.
• Diseases: Certain diseases, such as thyroid disorders, can contribute to bone loss.

What do you notice about osteoporosis?

Bone osteoporosis often does not produce obvious symptoms until you break a bone. Common fractures include wrist, hip and vertebral fractures. A collapsed vertebra can lead to back pain and a curved back, and sometimes you lose several inches in height. Therefore, it is important to be aware of risk factors and take action before a fracture occurs.

Treatment of osteoporosis

There is no cure for osteoporosis, but you can slow the deterioration of your bones and reduce the risk of new bone fractures. Treatment focuses on a combination of medications, exercise and nutrition. Your pharmacy plays an important role in supporting your medication use and making sure you get the right information about your treatment.

Medications for osteoporosis

Several medications can help treat osteoporosis. Below are the most common medications and how they work:

1. Calcium
   Calcium is essential for bone building. Your body needs enough calcium every day to make new bones. Calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate with calcium lactogluconate are examples of calcium-containing medications. The pharmacy will advise you on the proper use of these supplements and make sure you get the right amount of calcium.
2. Vitamin D
   Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from food. Without enough vitamin D, your body cannot use calcium properly, leading to weaker bones. Examples of vitamin D supplements are colecalciferol and calcifediol. It is important to combine vitamin D with adequate calcium for optimal effect. We'll help you get the right dosage and combine these supplements with other medications as needed.
3. Bisphosphonates
   Bisphosphonates are medications that prevent bone breakdown. They bind to calcium in the bone, inhibiting the breakdown and making your bones stronger. Alendronic acid, clodronic acid and risedronic acid are commonly used bisphosphonates. These medications can be given as tablets or by infusion. We will give you advice on how to take these medications. For example, you should take alendronic acid on an empty stomach and then sit up straight for 30 minutes to prevent damage to your esophagus.
4. Denosumab
   Denosumab is an injection that causes your bones to break down less quickly. It is often prescribed if bisphosphonates do not work enough or if you have problems taking bisphosphonates. Denosumab is always combined with calcium and vitamin D. We make sure you take these medications correctly and support you in scheduling injections.
5. SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
   SERMs, such as bazedoxifene and raloxifene, work in a similar way to estrogens. They help strengthen bones by inhibiting their breakdown. SERMs are often prescribed to postmenopausal women and are combined with calcium and vitamin D. We make sure you get the right combination of medications to keep bones as strong as possible.
6. Calcitonin
   Calcitonin lowers the amount of calcium in the blood and inhibits the breakdown of bones. This drug is mainly used in people who are suddenly unable to walk, such as after a bone fracture. It helps to prevent further bone weakening.
7. Teriparatide
   Teriparatide stimulates the production of new bone cells and helps absorb calcium from food. This drug is often used in people with severe osteoporosis and significantly increases bone strength. We help with proper instructions for using teriparatide.

What can you do yourself?

In addition to taking medication, there are other ways you can strengthen your bones and slow the progression of osteoporosis:

• Exercise: Regular exercise, such as walking and strength training, helps to keep your bones strong.
• Healthy diet: Eat a varied diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables and oily fish are good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
• Prevent falls: Because a fall can cause a fracture, it is important to take measures to prevent falls. This can range from improving your balance to modifying your living environment.

The role of pharmacy

We play a crucial role in the treatment of osteoporosis. we make sure you get the right medication and advise you on how to use it. We can also perform checkups to make sure you are taking the medication safely and not experiencing side effects. It is important to discuss any questions about your medication with us. For example, when using bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid, you need to know exactly how to take it to avoid problems.

We can also support you in scheduling injections, such as when using denosumab and help you take your medication faithfully, which is essential for effective osteoporosis treatment.