Side Effects of Medications
Like all medications, osteoporosis treatments can sometimes cause side effects, but most people do not experience significant issues. Even if side effects occur, they are typically mild and improve as your body adjusts to the treatment. Your healthcare provider can help you identify the cause of any side effects and suggest ways to manage them.
Most side effects of osteoporosis treatments are manageable, especially when following your medication’s instructions and following your healthcare provider’s advice.
Bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate) taken as tablets may cause mild issues such as heartburn, upset stomach, or irritation of your food pipe (oesophagus). These are generally manageable and can often be reduced by following the directions that come with the medication.
Zoledronate, administered via intra-venous (IV) infusion, may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, particularly after the first dose. These symptoms occur in about 30% of people and usually lessen with subsequent doses. They can be alleviated by taking paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and being well hydrated.
Denosumab may cause skin reactions at the injection site and, rarely, low calcium levels in the blood. Your calcium levels will be monitored during treatment.
Teriparatide may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, or low mood in less than one in ten people.
Very rare but serious side effects, such as jawbone damage (osteonecrosis of the jaw) and unusual fractures of the thigh bone (atypical femur fractures), can occur with long-term use of bisphosphonates and denosumab.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may cause side effects like breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, leg cramps, stomach upset, and bloating.
Raloxifene may cause side effects like hot flashes, leg cramps, or leg swelling. It can also increase the risk of blood clots, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or retinal vein thrombosis, as raloxifene should not be used in these cases.
If you do get side effects that don’t go away or are concerned about potential side effects, speak to your healthcare provider.