Learn About Prescription Medication

Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to treat osteoporosis. There are 4 bisphosphonates currently approved for use in Canada: alendronate (Fosamax ®), etidronate (Didrocal ®), risedronate (Actonel ®) and zoledronic acid (Aclasta®). Also available are: Actonel DR™, Fosavance® (Fosamax® with vitamin D) and several generic versions.

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Denosumab is a class of osteoporosis treatment called a human monoclonal antibody that prevents RANKL-RANK interaction and slows osteoclast formation. Denosumab (Prolia™) is the first treatment approved by Health Canada in this class.

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Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its analogue, teriparatide, are a class of osteoporosis treatments called bone formation agents. Teriparatide injection (Forteo™) is the first medication approved by Health Canada in this new class.

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Hormone Therapy (HT) or estrogen/progesterone, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. However, because estrogen plays such an important role in maintaining bone, HT is another option to consider to treat osteoporosis if you are also seeking relief from symptoms of menopause.

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Raloxifene (Evista®) is from a family of drugs called SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators).

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Romosozumab is a new class of osteoporosis treatment, a sclerostin inhibitor that both increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption. Romosozumab (Evenity™) is the first treatment approved by Health Canada in this class.

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