Bisphosphonates

• Bisphosphonates slow the breakdown of your bones. The drug Recast is a new intravenous form of bisphosphonate approved by the FDA in 2007, which requires administration only once each year to treat osteoporosis.
  
  

Raloxifene

• Raloxifene or Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, meaning that it affects your body similarly to estrogen by slowing bone loss. The FDA approved the drug for use in women and recommends it only for those without a history of blood clots.
  
  

Calcitonin

• Calcitonin functions similarly to thyroid hormones and is available as a nasal spray or an injection. It acts similarly to bisphosphonates, but is less strong and is reserved for those who are unable to take other osteoporosis drugs.
  
  

Teriparatide

• Teriparatide or Forteo is similar to hormones produced by your parathyroid, which works to promote new bone growth rather than prevent bone loss. Patients receive the drug through a daily injection, for a maximum of two years.
  
  

Tamoxifen

• Tamoxifen, which doctors commonly prescribe to women for the prevention of breast cancer, also reduces the risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis.