Bisphosphonates

• Bisphosphonates include Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast. Medications classified as bisphosphonates have been approved to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men, and osteoporosis resulting from the use of glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and cortisone.
  
  

Raloxifene

• Raloxifene, the generic name for Evista, has been approved to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis. Raloxifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, and does not commonly have side-effects.
  
  

Calcitonin

• Miacalcin and Fortical contain calcitonin. Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone which regulates calcium and metabolizes bone tissue. Patients who have experienced menopause for a minimum of 5 years are able to use calcitonin as a treatment for osteoporosis.
  
  

Teriparatide

• Teriparatide, the generic name for Forteo, is a parathyroid hormone which stimulates the formation of new bone tissue. Teriparatide is approved as a treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis, and osteoporosis in men.
  
  

Considerations

• Each of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis require a prescription. Some medications may be administered orally, intranasally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly.