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Miacalcin
(calcitonin)
Miacalcin (generic name, calcitonin) is
used to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis in women who have low bone mass but cannot take
estrogen (hormone replacement therapy). The drug is usually recommended to women who been
post-menopausal for at least five years. Miacalcin comes in the form of a nasal spray (not
an inhaler) that enters the bloodstream quickly to help strengthen bone and prevent bone
loss.
Side effects of Miacalcin may include:
- Nasal symptoms (runny nose, crusting,
nosebleed)
- Back and/or joint pain
- Headache
 Click
here for more information on Miacalcin, courtesy of Novartis.
Percutaneous
Vertebroplasty
Percutaneous
vertebroplasty (PV) is a new treatment that involves injecting a special liquid cement
into fractured vertebral sections. It is being performed at select centers across the U.S.
PV is used to fill holes or fractures in the spinal column left from osteoporosis, a
degenerative bone disease. PV helps rebuild the collapsed spine and relieves pain and
pressure. In a recent study, 29 of 30 patients experienced significant pain relief
immediately after the procedure and 80% of the patients reported lasting pain relief.
Before the procedure, patients are
given a mild sedative. To perform the minimally invasive operation, a surgeon places a
needle through the skin into the area of the spine needing treatment. X-ray
fluoroscopy is used to help guide the needle. Once the needle is positioned properly, a
special liquid cement (called polymethylmethacrylate) is injected into the spinal
fracture. Once injected, the liquid cement takes approximately 20 minutes to harden. When
it hardens, it becomes a permanent spinal reinforcement. In many cases, a second needle
puncture is needed to fill the other side of the vertebra.
Possible side effects of PV include:
- Bleeding
- Another fracture
- Pain or weakness
- Infection
- Paralysis
Click here to learn more about
percutaneous vertebroplasty.
Experimental
Treatments
In addition to the therapies outlined
in this article, researchers are currently investigating a variety of other medicines to
treat and prevent osteoporosis. These investigational methods include:
- New forms of bisphosphonates
- Sodium fluoride
- Additional selective estrogen receptor
modulators (similar to Evista)
- Parathyroid
hormone
- Vitamin D metabolites
Several clinical trials are currently underway to
investigate these new treatments. Patients with osteoporosis should ask their physicians
about new methods to treat the disease.
Click here to learn
more about clinical trials.
Monitoring the
Treatment of Osteoporosis with Bone Densitometry
Many physicians use bone densitometry to monitor patients with osteoporosis.
While effects of treatments may begin soon after therapy is begun, evidence of a
response to hormone replacement therapy or other drug treatments may not be accurately
detected using DEXA bone densitometry right away. For this reason, osteoporosis patients
usually have bone scans at one to two year intervals to monitor treatment responses.
Patients at high risk of rapid bone loss (for example, patients on steroid therapy) may
receive bone densitometry more frequently. Natural bone loss (not drug related) almost
never occurs so rapidly as to require densitometry tests more frequently than at one to
two year intervals.
Additional
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to treatment with vitamins
and drugs, women who have osteoporosis may need to make lifestyle changes. The National
Osteoporosis Foundation recommends the following guidelines to avoid bone fractures:
- Wear sturdy, low-heeled, soft-soled
shoes; avoid floppy slippers and sandals.
- Ask your doctor whether any medications
you are taking can cause dizziness, light-headedness, or loss of balance. If so, ask how
these effects can be minimized.
- Minimize clutter throughout the house.
- Secure all rugs; avoid using small throw
rugs that can slip and slide.
- Remove all loose wires and electrical
cords that can cause tripping.
- Make sure treads and handrails are
installed on staircases and remain secure.
- Keep halls, stairs, and entries well
lighted.
- Use nightlights in the bedroom and bath.
- In the bathroom, use grab bars and
non-skid tape in the shower or tub.
- In the kitchen, use nonskid rubber mats
near the sink and stove.
- Avoid using slippery waxes; watch out
for wet floors; clean up spills immediately.
- When driving, wear seat belts and adjust
seat properly.
Click here for specific information on
minimizing the risk of hip fractures.
Additional
Resources and References
Updated: April 7, 2008
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