Osteoporosis - Facts & Figures for all Women

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

*Approximately 8 million American women have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 2 million fractures annually.*One in two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.

* An average of 24% of women who experience a hip fracture will die from complications.Postmenopausal osteoporosis is something all women should take very seriously. I had the privilege of asking Dr. Karthryn Diemer, Clinical Director of the Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, a few questions to shed some light on this devastating, insidious disease.

Here is the discussion:

1. Q-If bone loss a natural by-product of a woman's aging process, what specifically can be done to prevent it?

A-There are several basic approaches that all men and women should do:

a. Adequate calcium intake - either through dietary means or with calcium supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1200 - 1500mg/day. ( a glass of milk or serving of cheese has about 300mg of calcium)
b. Adequate vit D intake - 1000 - 1200 IU daily.
c. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis by having a bone density test.d. There are several medications that are approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor as to what would be best for you.

2. Q-There are many products on the market now. Compared to Boniva and Fosamax, where does Reclast stand in terms of long term benefits?

A- Reclast offers strong protection in regard to preventing fractures: In a three year study, Reclast lowered the risk of vertebral fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%. Fosamax and Boniva lowered the risk of spine fractures by around 50%. (although these were not head to head trials). Reclast also offers the convenience of once yearly dosing for patients with osteoporosis and every two years for women with osteopenia.

3. Q-You should not take these products if you have low blood calcium. What does that mean?A- Your doctor should measure a blood calcium level prior to the infusion. One possible side effect is lowering blood calcium levels; therefore it is recommended that patients with normal calcium levels should be sure to take their calcium the morning of the infusion. If a patient has a low blood calcium, the physician should evaluate for the cause and correct the calcium level prior to the infusion. A common reason for low calcium levels is a low vitamin D.

4.Q- Can Reclast be used as a preventative, if you have osteopenia?

A- Yes, Reclast has now been approved for treatment of women with osteopenia. It is a 5mg dose every two years.

5. Q-What if, after the injection, you suffer from adverse reactions? What can be done to diminish the symptoms?

A- Approximately 15% of patients will have a side effect. The most common is fever and muscle aches. Taking acetominophen before the infusion can minimize these symptoms and it can be taken after the infusion if symptoms occur.

6. Q Research shows that all these products rebuild bone density. If you stop taking them, do things reverse?A- If any of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis are stopped, it is expected that there will be a decrease in bone density. Therefore, before any patient decides to stop their medications, they should talk to their doctor.

7. Q- People are living longer now. What is the research indicate about using these products for 30-40 years?

A- There is no data for long term use and fracture prevention (longer that five years) in any of the approved medications. We know that preventing fractures will improve quality of life and therefore our goal is to use these medications thoughtfully and with proper indications. More data will be forthcoming in regard to longer use.

I want to thank Dr. Diemer for this valuable information. Before you make your decision about how to treat osteoporosis, be armed with as much information as possible. Speak to your doctor, read all the literature on all the treatments and even speak to other women about their experiences. At the very least, get tested as soon as possible so you know the health and density of your bones. Remember, a busy carpenter never forgets to take care of his tools. Don’t be too busy to take care of your health.