Osteoporosis is a dangerous pathology in which bone tissues lose their mass, become porous, brittle and can fracture even with minor injuries. The risk of developing this terrible disease is great for the elderly, especially for women. The "gold standard" for the treatment of osteoporosis is considered to be drugs from the bisphosphonate group.
What are bisphosphonates
These are synthesized analogues of natural substances contained in the human body that provide strength to bones. Bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis help to prevent loss of calcium. Derivatives of phosphonic acids, acting selectively only on bones, increase their content in them. By building calcium ions into the structure of the skeleton, they give it resistance to deformations.
These preparations for osteoporosis are widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, tumor-like growths - myeloma, some types of lymphoma, other cancers, in which the structure of bone tissue is destroyed. Doctors prescribe them to patients suffering from hyperthyroidism, Paget's disease, when the bones are gradually deformed.
The bisphosphonate group includes medicines, which are divided into two large subgroups: containing and not containing nitrogen. The nitrogen-free compounds are preparations of the first generation: tiludronate, etidronate and sodium clodronate. Tiludronate and sodium etidronate contribute to saturation of bones with calcium and are often used as an alternative to hormonal drugs. Clodronate sodium does not allow metastases to spread. However, the greatest demand is for compounds containing nitrogen.
What are the drugs used for osteoporosis
? In modern medical practice, such medicines are especially widely used:
- "Alendronic acid", "Tevabon"( second-generation drugs) - activate the metabolism in bone tissues, strengthen their structure in patients of both sexes.
- Bonviva, Bondronate( third generation drugs) - counteract the destruction of bone cells, reduce the risk of fractures in older women.
- "Zometa"( a third generation drug) - significantly inhibits the washing away of calcium from the bones, has an anti-cancer effect.
Bisphosphonates should not be used in severe kidney failure. Long-term use of such medications increases the risk of serious side effects, especially with intravenous injections. Possible headaches and joint pains, muscle cramps, malaise, tachycardia, digestive disorders, skin rashes and even necrosis of the jaw bone.
It is important that the use of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis be literate, then they are safe. Since drugs are absorbed into the gastric mucosa with difficulty, they should be taken on an empty stomach either half an hour before meals, washed down only with water. After this, it should be in the vertical position for about 1 hour. If the combination drug, calcium and vitamin D can be drunk only 2 hours after the bisphosphonate. Do not confuse these medicines with vitamin-mineral supplements. Bisphosphonates are potent drugs, self-medication is unacceptable.
Video about bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis
Reviews
Olga, 26 years old : My grandmother has metastases in the bones. After the irradiation, she was prescribed a medicine for osteoporosis "Zometa", analyzes showed that the growth of tumor cells slowed. The only pity is that the drug all the time causes her nausea.
Anna, 52 years old : The effectiveness of bisphosphonate preparations in the treatment of osteoporosis is noted by all doctors, to whom I applied. You only need to strictly follow the dosage, otherwise you can earn serious complications.
Taisiya, 29 : Our mother, after a fracture of the neck of her hip for a long time, took a remedy for osteoporosis "Alendronic acid".Indeed, it slowly but surely strengthens the bones. It's bad that this acid causes digestive disorders.