Highlights
Drug Approvals
- In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a generic version of the osteoporosis drug alendronate (Fosamax).
- In 2008, the FDA broadened the use of once-yearly zoledronic acid (Reclast) to include the prevention of new fractures in patients who have had previously had a hip fracture. Reclast was previously approved as the first once-yearly injectable drug for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- In 2008, the FDA approved a new once-a-month dose of risedronate (Actonel).
Osteoporosis Screening
Bone density testing is recommended for:
- All women over age 65
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- All men over age 70
- Men ages 50 - 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Any man or women over age 50 who has suffered a fracture.
- People with specific risk factors for osteoporosis. These risk factors include long-term use of medications such as corticosteroids, history of certain medical conditions (diabetes, thyroid imbalances), history of breast or prostate cancer treatment, significant loss of height or recent weight loss.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
- Age is the main risk factor for osteoporosis. Aging causes bones to thin and weaken. Although osteoporosis affects mostly postmenopausal women, older men are also at risk.
- Osteoporosis is more common in people who have a small, thin body frame and bone structure.
- Dietary calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are important factors in the risk for osteoporosis.
- Women who smoke, particularly after menopause, have a significantly greater risk of spine and hip fractures than those who do not smoke. Men who smoke also have lower bone density.
