Osteoporosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Osteoporosis is a long-term medical condition that causes your bones to become weak, brittle, and more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis occurs when your body absorbs more bone than it makes. It is also caused by a lack of calcium and estrogen (female hormone).
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have trouble moving an area of your body after a fall.
- You have severe or increasing pain after a fall.
Call your doctor if:
- You have pain when you do your daily activities.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to prevent bone loss, build new bone, and increase estrogen. These medicines may be given as a pill or injection. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent bone loss:
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- Eat healthy foods that are high in calcium. This helps keep your bones strong. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese, broccoli, tofu, almonds, and canned salmon and sardines.
- Increase your vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is in fish oils, some vegetables, and fortified milk, cereal, and bread. Vitamin D is also formed in the skin when it is exposed to the sun. Ask your healthcare provider how much sunlight is safe for you.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not have alcohol or caffeine. They decrease bone mineral density, which can weaken your bones.
- Exercise regularly. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you. Weight bearing exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week can help build and strengthen bone.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can decrease bone mineral density. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and muscle strength.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Osteoporosis
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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