Osteoporosis drug treatments

Osteoporosis drug treatments help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of breaking a bone. You may be offered medication if your risk of breaking a bone is significantly higher than normal.

How do osteoporosis treatments work?

Osteoporosis treatments can work by:

• slowing down the cells that break down bone (osteoclasts) – known as ‘antiresorptive’ drugs
• stimulating the cells that build new bone (osteoblasts) – known as ‘anabolic’ drugs
• a combination of both.

Osteoporosis treatments don't reduce the pain caused by broken bones. But there are other treatments and ways to manage pain.

What are the side effects of osteoporosis drug treatments?

If you would like to find out more about the possible side effects of osteoporosis medications, you may be interested in watching a conversation with Dr Alison Black. This film is part of our #BoneMatters series of events

Remote appointments

Remote (or virtual) appointments have become more common since the start of the pandemic. Many people find them much easier than travelling to their GP surgery or local hospital. Find out more about the different types of remote appointment you might be offered:

• telephone appointments
• video appointments.

What should I read next?

• Do I need to take a treatment?
• Which treatment is right for me?
• Getting the best from your treatment
• How long should I take medication?

Watch our webinar on osteoporosis drug treatments:

Watch our Bone Matters video on medication support and understanding your drug treatment.