Osteoporosis and Its Treatments

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide. Incidence is expected to increase as the population ages. Although several agents are available to treat osteoporosis, the relative efficacy and toxicity of these agents when used to prevent fractures has not been well described. The increasing prevalence and cost of osteoporosis have heightened interest in the efficacy and safety of the many agents available to treat the loss of bone mineral associated with osteoporosis. Current treatment options include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, raloxifene, and denosumab. Future therapies include drugs with new mechanisms of action and new dosage forms. All therapies require an analysis of their risk-benefit profile prior to patient-specific treatment selection.