Pharma Class ; Reporting of Drugs for Osteoporosis ; Nursing Student

1. OSTEOPOROSIS
By Rosemarie Carpio

2. What is Osteoporosis?
■ Most common metabolic bone disease.
■ It results from the loss of calcium in the bones, causing the bones to become brittle and
susceptible to breaking.
■ "porous bone" "silent disease" because it is usually not diagnosed until the person suffers a
fracture, or broken bone.
■ Risk:Women (Menopausal Period); Increasing age, lifestyle, genes (Asian), medication
(corticosteroid)
ASSESSMENT:
■ Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
■ Loss of height over time
■ A stooped posture
■ A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected: thoracic and lumbar spine,
hip fractures, and Colles’ fractures of the wrist –First clinical manifestation of Osteoporosis

3. MANAGEMENT and INTERVENTION
■ A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D throughout life (eg, cheese and other dairy
products, steamed broccoli, canned salmon with bones) daily.
■ Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation (20 to 30 min aerobic
exercise for 3 or more in a week)
PHARMACOLOGIC:
■ Calcium andVit. D supplements –first line meds for treatment and prevention
– Caltrate (calcium carbonate)
• taken with meals or with a beverage high in vitamin C to promote absorption
• Increase fluid intake (because calcium supp.Common side effects are abdominal
distention and constipation)

4. Miacalcin, Fortical (calcitonin)
– Take meds exactly as directed
– Report allergy to salmon or other seafood
– Diet should be high in calcium and vitamin D.
– Alternate nares daily when using nasal spray to avoid nosebleeds
– Weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for treatment of osteoporosis
Fosamax (alendronate) or Actonel (risedronate)
– Take the medication first thing in the morning 30 min. before other medication,
beverages, food and remain upright for 30-60min
– Engage in wt.-bearing exercise
– Assess Ca+ and phosphate levels for baseline and during therapy

5. Evista (raloxifene)
– Take as directed; bone pain should be reported
– Engage in regular wt.-bearing exercise
– Report leg pain (DVT)
– May cause hot flashes or induce ovulation
– Monitor wt. weekly; report wt. gain