Osteoporosis--What you need to Know
Contributed by: Mindy Carter, Pharm.D. Candidate
                      KU School of Pharmacy

Volume 2, Issue 2

August 2003

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and the loss of bone tissue resulting in bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk; however, in the U.S. 80% of those affected are women.  One out of every two women and one out of every eight men will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Twenty percent of patients die within 1 year of a hip fracture and 50% never fully recover.

Peak bone mass occurs at approximately 25-35 years of age.  Accelerated bone loss occurs in women for 5 to 10 years starting at menopause.  Osteoporosis results from a disorder of the remodeling process by either too much bone breakdown or too little formation of bone.  This results in fractures of the vertebrae and hip, as well as decreased height, curvature of the spine, pain and decreased quality of life.
What are the signs? 
· Fractures
· Rounded shoulders
· Stooped posture and rounded abdomen
· Tooth loss and/or gum disease
· Loss of height
· Pain and/or muscle spasms
· Lower back pain.
What are the risk factors?
· Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
· Menopause
· Family history of osteoporosis
· Low bone mass or body weight
· Small stature
· Cigarette smoking
· Alcohol abuse
· Sedentary lifestyle
· Inadequate calcium intake
· Vitamin D deficiency

· Excessive caffeine intake
· Excessive exercise
· Medications including corticosteroid/glucocorticoids, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital/phenytoin), and heparin.
· Disease states which can secondarily cause osteoporosis such as Cushing's syndrome, anorexia nervosa, hyperprolactinemia, multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism
· Surgical procedures including the bilateral oophorectomy and gastrectomy.
What are the goals of therapy?
The goals of therapy are to increase bone mass, stop or reverse bone loss by inhibiting bone breakdown or stimulating bone formation (or both), and reduce the incidence of osteoporotic fracture.
Who should I talk to about my options for therapy?
There are several medications for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your physician and/or pharmacist about the variety of treatment options available. 
What lifestyle changes can help?
· Weight-bearing exercises that can increase mobility, agility, and muscle strength as well as retarding bone loss.
· Stop smoking.
· Decrease alcohol consumption.
· Consume calcium rich foods such as milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.

It is important to understand osteoporosis and its risk factors to reduce the chance of developing it. If you have questions or want additional information talk with your pharmacist, physician or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org or the Osteoporosis and Related bone Diseases, Resource Center at www.osteo.org.

Co-edited by:
John Witt, Pharm.D.
Sarah Kerner, Pharm.D.

Inside this issue: