Many Osteoporosis Medications Prevent Fractures, But None Is P...(etidronate ibandronate risedronate calci...),Health

-- Not enough evidence exists to determine how exercise or taking testosterone compares to medications in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.

-- Calcitonin, risedronate and teriparatide reduce fracture risks among men.

-- For people at increased risk of falling, such as those with partial paralysis or Parkinson's disease, fracture risks are reduced if they are treated with alendronate, risedronate or vitamin D.

-- Risks associated with many osteoporosis treatments are generally moderate or small. Although ulcers in the esophagus were reported in trials of all the bisphosphonates except zoledronic acid, these also occurred in patients not taking these drugs.

-- Patients who take raloxifene face increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and other areas as well as mild cardiac problems such as chest pains or palpitations. One study found tamoxifen (a SERM) increased the risk of lung blood clots.

-- In rare cases, dramatic jaw bone deterioration can occur in cancer patients taking intravenous bisphosphonates in large doses.

The report on osteoporosis medications is the newest analysis from AHRQ's Effective Health Care program. That program represents an important federal effort to compare alternative treatments for significant health conditions and make the findings public. The program is intended to help patients, doctors, nurses and others choose the most effective treatments. Information on the program, including full reports, can be found at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.