Fewer People Using Drugs To Treat Osteoporosis - Save Our Bones

As Savers surely know, May was National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Fortunately, we have evidence that awareness is indeed growing, as more and more people are learning about their options for reversing and preventing osteoporosis. A study published in February 2020 in the prestigious journal The Lancet shows that fewer people are taking osteoporosis drugs. We'll look at the details of that study, and why the authors consider this reduction a “crisis”.

Of course, it isn't a crisis. This reduction is evidence that patients (and some doctors) are learning about the dangers of these drugs. Hopefully, instead of taking osteoporosis prescription drugs, they are pursuing a bone-healthy diet, exercising, and making simple lifestyle changes, like the ones recommended by the Save Institute.

In fact, Savers can take credit for this encouraging trend of refusing to take osteoporosis drugs and advocating for doctors to rethink osteoporosis!

Decreasing Prescription Rates

This new study, authored by two doctors, is a meta-analysis of previous studies. It purports to address the intersection of two trends: the aging of the world population and the reduction of osteoporosis drug prescriptions.

While the prescription rates of osteoporosis drugs vary worldwide, the researchers report that it is decreasing in most countries. They cite a combination of factors: low-risk and long-term patients who stop their course of treatment, and new patients who meet the prescription criteria but never start taking these drugs.

Here is a particularly telling figure, quoted from the study:

“After hip fracture, osteoporosis medication use in the USA within 12 months after discharge was 40% in 2002, and 20% in 2011. These results are similar in other countries, including European countries, and after various incident fractures.”1

Over that span of nine years, the prescription rate dropped by half. It has been another nine years since then, and the study suggests that the numbers have continued to decline. The researchers also cite a 2012 observational study in ten countries, in which only 35% of women who had experienced more than one incident fracture were taking an osteoporosis drug.1

Synopsis

Fewer and fewer people are taking osteoporosis drugs, as evidenced by several studies conducted in countries around the world.

Side Effects And Practitioner Perceptions

The study's authors point at two major factors to explain the reduction in prescription rates.

First, patients are refusing pharmacological treatment because they do not want to suffer the potential side effects.

Second, many physicians are refusing to consider osteoporosis a “disease” that must be treated with a drug, and are instead seeing it for what it is: a loss of bone strength that occurs naturally with age.

The researchers regard both of these shifts as negative, but at the same time, they explicitly list the horrific side-effects caused by drugs that more and more doctors are recognizing as ineffective and unnecessary. This is how the study describes the causes of declining prescription rates, which they deem a “crisis”:

“Among the reasons for this crisis in the treatment of osteoporosis are insufficient awareness of osteoporosis among health-care providers and the fear of side-effects of some of the treatments—ie, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, atrial fibrillation, and hypocalcemia”1

Let's take a closer look at these side effects:

  • Hypocalcemia is the condition of having insufficient calcium levels. In severe cases, hypocalcemia leads to neuromuscular symptoms that include convulsions, life-threatening irregular heartbeat, and numbness. Bisphosphonates ironically reduce the body's available calcium — a building block of bone — by blocking the resorption of old and damaged bone. 2
  • Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular events. In one study, current users of bisphosphonates showed almost twice the risk of atrial fibrillation when compared to distant past users of the drug.3
  • Atypical fracture is typically a fracture of the femur that occurs without a fall or other physical trauma. Essentially, the femur breaks under the pressure of normal use. Atypical fracture rates range from 0.8 to five cases per 10,000 users, depending on the type and duration of osteoporosis drug treatment.4
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a reaction to bisphosphonates like Fosamax and antiresorptive drugs like Prolia (denosumab). It causes a painful progressive destruction of the jaw bone that leaves sufferers disfigured. Depending on the type and duration of osteoporosis treatment, case rates range from 1.7 to 21 cases per 10,000 users.5

These are the only side-effects mentioned in the study, but osteoporosis drugs have other potential side-effects as well, including:2

  • Severe musculoskeletal pain
  • Increased risk of esophageal cancer
  • Ocular inflammation (pain and inflammation of the eyes)
  • Upper gastrointestinal problems (nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and gastritis)

It's no wonder that patients have chosen safer and more effective ways to reverse and prevent osteoporosis. And it's heartening to learn that more and more doctors are ignoring Big Pharma's ongoing attempt to pathologize this part of the aging process.

Although the study's authors have chosen not to see it this way, they're delivering good news. Doctors and patients alike are increasingly seeing osteoporosis for what it is, a physical change that can be counteracted through diet, lifestyle, and exercise.

Synopsis

The study's authors point to growing awareness of the devastating potential side-effects of osteoporosis drugs as a leading cause of declining prescription rates. They also note that more and more doctors are rejecting the idea that osteoporosis is a disease that requires pharmacological intervention.

What’s The Purpose Of This Study?

The authors express a very clear opinion in their article: that osteoporosis is under-diagnosed and that osteoporosis drugs are under-prescribed.

They argue that if patients could be made to understand how small the risk of debilitating side-effects is, that they would accept the prescriptions. Perhaps they should consider that patients are smart enough to understand that even a small risk isn't worth taking when there is a no-risk solution with numerous additional benefits.

The article acknowledges the body of scientific literature that proves that exercise and supplementation are effective at accomplishing the same thing that drugs attempt to accomplish, without the side-effects. But instead of recommending them, they argue that patients should take the drugs in addition to making those lifestyle changes.

This confusing stance, and the assertion that both practicing physicians and informed patients are somehow a problem, are explained at the very bottom of the study in a section listing conflicts of interest.

The “CR” and “KB” in the quotation below are the initials of the two authors. And the funding sources listed are all Big Pharma corporations that produce and sell osteoporosis drugs:

“CR reports personal fees from Alexion, Amgen, Lilly, and Union Chimique Belge and research grants from Alexion, Kyowa Kirin, and Regeneron. KB reports personal fees from Amgen, Lilly, Pfizer, and Union Chimique Belge.”1

It's no surprise that a report paid for by the makers of osteoporosis drugs would conclude that there should be more prescriptions of osteoporosis drugs. Fortunately, Savers know better than to take their advice.

Synopsis

This study was funded by a number of osteoporosis drug manufacturers. The study discloses this massive conflict of interest, which explains why the study exists and why the authors view these positive changes as a “crisis.” They are paid by and speak on behalf of Big Pharma.

What This Means To You

You're not alone in taking a healthier path to prevent fracture. As this study reveals, more and more people are choosing a drug-free approach to improve the quality of their bones and their lives.

Expect to see more panicked fear-mongering from Big Pharma as the wider public realizes that they have better, safer and more effective options. And give yourself a pat on the back for being part of the vanguard of a smarter, safer, more effective approach to bone health.

Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss

Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

Learn More Now →

References

1 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(19)30136-5/fulltext

2 https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)60752-0/fulltext#cesec60

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4428862/

4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25184886?dopt=Abstract

5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820581/#!po=19.2308

The Top 14 Things You’re Doing That Are Damaging Your Bones... And More!

  • Stop The Bone Thieves! report
  • Email course on how to prevent and reverse bone loss
  • Free vital osteoporosis news and updates.
Get It Free Now

Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Helen

    Please let me know about Osteostrong. Many thanks

  2. Save Institute Customer Support

    To all Savers who are requesting information on Osteostrong:
    Please check your email inbox within the next 48 hours. We’re delighted to answer your questions!
    Customer Support

  3. jerilynn Volkman

    Dear Vivian,
    Would you please send me your opinion of the exercise program called Osteostrong. I value all the information you provide to us Savers.

    Thank you,
    Jeri

  4. Jeannette Grant

    Thanks, Vivian, for all your information!! I recently came across a book on my bookshelf titled THE MYTH OF OSTEOPOROSIS — WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CREATING BONE HEALTH published in 2003, written by Gillian Sanson. It is absolutely great. You would agree totally with it, I think. I have your basic book, I think the first one you wrote. You basically say most, if not all the same things. But it is another supporting book that debunks most of the advice from mainstream medicine and Big Pharma regarding osteoporosis. She also addresses the issue of gluten intolerance as a cause of osteoporosis. That has turned out to be my main problem. I have not had gluten for over 20 years. I am 80 now and had a very bad fall a year ago with no injuries at all.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Thanks for sharing this, Jeannette!

  5. eve ball

    please send info re osteostrong. Sounds interesting.

    Many thanks
    eve ball.

  6. Sylvia T Millard

    I would also like to know your opinion of Osteostrong. Thank you, Sylvia

  7. Elaine

    I would also appreciate you your comments on OsteoStrong. I am so glad that I have never taken the drugs. Thank you for all your work and exploration of this situation, Elaine A.

  8. Myra Shannon

    Dear Vivienne,

    I appreciate all your advice. I would also like to hear you opinion on Osteo Strong.

    With every good wish,

    Myra

  9. jerilynn Volkman

    Dear Vivian,

    Thank you for all the work you continue to do to keep us all healthy. My question is one already asked by some other followers. What is your opinion of the value of Osteostrong? A friend mentioned it to me and from what she said it sounded wonderful. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Jeri

  10. Christiane Beeler

    I would like to receive your emails. Thank you

  11. Lili G

    OsteoStrong sounds like the perfect magic pill. A few minutes on a special machine once a week and your osteoporosis is virtually gone in a few months. No meds, special diets or exercise necessary. I have the following concerns. The machines they use are not FDA approved and there are no published peer-reviewed articles regarding the safety of their equipment. Insurance does not cover the osteogenic loading and biohacking process. Published articles online consistently have the same author, the founder and CEO of OsteoStrong. There is substantial self-promotion with emphasis on franchise ownership. There is no mention of licensed health care professionals involved in this process (physicians, physiatrists or physical therapists). Exercise sessions are monitored by technicians. John Joaquish is the inspiration for OsteoStrong and inventor of a bone density building device he states has reversed osteoporosis for thousands of people. He holds a PhD from Rushmore University (South Dakota). Rushmore University is not accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and does not hold regional academic accreditation (Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association) in the United States. Rushmore University states it does not require United States accreditation.

  12. Tracy DeWitt

    Yes, please send me your thoughts on osteo strong loading. Thank you.

    • Save Institute Customer Support

      We’re glad to send you a reply via email, Tracy 🙂

  13. Donna Griffin

    Please email me your opinion also on Osteostrong. Never heard of it before, but would like to be aware of it. thanks!

    • Save Institute Customer Support

      We’re glad to do that, Donna!

      • Rosemary

        Hi , I also am interested in your opinion on OsteoStrong. I recently signed up as it seemed to make sense to me.
        thank you.

  14. Robin tillery

    What is your opinion of the program called Osteostrong? Machines that cause osteogenic loading. Thanks. Robin.

    • Save Institute Customer Support

      Hello Robin, please check your email inbox within the next 48 hours for an answer to your question. We’re looking forward to helping you!

      • Anne Schaefer

        I have the same question as Robin. What is your opinion of Osteostrong? Looking forward to your response. Anne

        • Save Institute Customer Support

          We’re delighted to reply via email directly to your inbox within the next 48 hours, Anne!

Get Started With Your FREE
Natural Bone Building Kit.

Get a free copy of our ‘Stop The Bone Thieves’ eBook, exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else, plus vital osteoporosis news and updates.

Get It Free

Get Your Free Bone-Building Kit

FREE

‘Stop The Bone Thieves’ guide, exclusive info, plus vital osteoporosis news and updates.