What is the safest osteoporosis drug to take?

Asked by: Ole Baumbach  |  Last update: July 26, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)

Teriparatide and abaloparatide are safe and generally well-tolerated medications.

What is the best osteoporosis medication with the least side effects?

Intravenous forms of bisphosphonates, such as ibandronate and zoledronic acid, don't cause stomach upset. And it may be easier for some people to schedule a quarterly or yearly infusion than to remember to take a weekly or monthly pill.

What do most doctors prescribe for osteoporosis?

For both men and women at increased risk of broken bones, the most widely prescribed osteoporosis medications are bisphosphonates. Examples include: Alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax). Risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia).

What are the 3 worst bone density drugs?

A variety of medications can increase bone loss and/or fall risk:
  • Synthetic Glucocorticoids (e.g. Prednisone) ...
  • Breast Cancer Drugs. ...
  • Prostate Cancer Drugs. ...
  • “Heartburn” Drugs. ...
  • Depo-Provera. ...
  • Excessive Thyroid Hormone Replacement. ...
  • Anti-seizure and Mood-altering Drugs. ...
  • Blood Pressure Medication.

What is the miracle drug for osteoporosis?

Romosozumab works by speeding up the cells that build bone (osteoblasts), and slowing down the cells that break down bone (osteoclasts). This helps to prevent bone loss.

3 Things to Do When Your Dr Suggests BONE DRUGS

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What is the new drug for osteoporosis in 2024?

In a statement published alongside final guidance on 7 August 2024, NICE said: “Abaloparatide can provide an alternative for people who have not responded to, or cannot tolerate, usual treatment options and is set to benefit over 14,000 people in England.”

What is the best drink for bone density?

To help prevent osteoporosis, instead sip these drinks:
  • 8 ounces of orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
  • A mixture of fortified orange juice and seltzer or club soda that's free of phosphoric acid.

Which fruit is best for bones?

Figs contain minerals and vitamins that are essential for bone health. One cup of stewed figs has about 180 milligrams of calcium, plus some vitamins C and vitamin K. Raw figs are low in calories and high in fiber, so they're good for your diet—a couple of raw figs can give you about 24 milligrams of calcium.

Can you live with osteoporosis without medication?

If you decide not to take a drug treatment, it is likely that your bones will get weaker over time. This means your chance of breaking a bone will increase. Some people may never break any bones, while others may break several.

What does the Mayo Clinic recommend for osteoporosis?

Add calcium to your diet.

For adults 19 to 50 and men 51 to 70, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. The recommendation increases to 1,200 milligrams a day for women 51 and older and for men 71 and older. Look for calcium in dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale and tofu.

Why do doctors push osteoporosis drugs?

Osteoporosis can't be cured, but with medicine and lifestyle changes, you can slow or even stop it. Regular exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and prevention of falls can all make a difference. But they aren't always enough. That's why the doctor may suggest medicine.

Can I live to 90 with osteoporosis?

Does osteoporosis affect life expectancy? Osteoporosis is not a terminal illness and does not directly influence life expectancy. However, having a fracture can affect it. For example, a 2021 study found that older adults living in a care facility who experienced a hip fracture had a 25% death rate after 3 months.

What should you not drink if you have osteoporosis?

People with osteoporosis should avoid foods with added sugar, excess sodium, and saturated fat—as well as soda, alcohol, and caffeine.

What is the number one supplement for osteoporosis?

#1 Calcium

Most people get at least 500-600 mg of calcium in their diet a day, so it is generally recommended to get the other 500 to 1000mg in the form of a supplement. You should take a maximum of 500mg at a time , because this is the maximum amount that can be absorbed in one serving.

What is the best breakfast for people with osteoporosis?

For a bone-healthy breakfast, use steel-cut oats as the base of your breakfast bowl, add a layer of Greek yogurt for some creamy goodness, and pair oats with fresh fruits. Making overnight oats is another great way to enjoy oats. You can prepare breakfast the night before or even days in advance.

Are bananas good for osteoporosis?

Are bananas bad for osteoporosis? There is no proven link between bananas and worsened osteoporosis symptoms. In fact, bananas, rich in potassium, may benefit bone health by helping to conserve calcium, crucial for strong bones.

At what age do you stop treating osteoporosis?

There is no specific age at which all people should stop treating osteoporosis. Continuing treatment is important because the risk of bone loss increases as individuals get older. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, as does the risk of serious complications.

What is the most common cause of death in osteoporosis?

Bone breaks, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury.

Can you regain lost bone density?

Recent research suggests that reversing osteoporosis may be possible, especially in the early stages of the disease. One of the most effective ways to rebuild bone density is through weight-bearing exercises, such as weightlifting or brisk walking.

What drink is good for your bones?

If you eat and drink three to four servings of milk, cheese, yogurt, or calcium added orange juice and plant milks, you may be getting all the calcium you need in a day. If you're not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, supplements may be a way to get the calcium and Vitamin D that you need.

Is peanut butter good for osteoporosis?

Peanut butter is also a good source of copper, a mineral that helps maintain our bone health, immune function, and blood vessels. Some research suggests that getting enough copper in your diet may reduce your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Are scrambled eggs good for osteoporosis?

Egg is mainly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are able to stimulate osteoblastogenesis and inhibit bone resorption[34] as well as regulate inflammation during the bone remodeling process[35] [Table 6]. All together, these evidences confirm our findings on the beneficial effect of consuming eggs on bone.

Is chocolate bad for osteoporosis?

Conclusions. Older women who consume chocolate daily had lower bone density and strength. Additional cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these observations. Confirmation of these findings could have important implications for prevention of osteoporotic fracture.

Is cranberry juice good for bone density?

Purpose. Cranberry juice (CJ) contains a remarkably high concentration of polyphenols, considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular and bone health.