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DISCUSSION 7
Running head: DISCUSSION 7
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Discussion 7
Osteoporosis is a health condition that increases the fragility of the bones, leading to breakages after sudden falls of impacts. Bisphosphonates are the prescribed drugs for osteoporosis disorder. However, the usage of these drugs for people with osteoporosis disorder has reduced significantly over the years, mostly due to extreme side effects experienced with using the drugs. Many believe that the use of these drugs leads to more bone fractures. However, some clinicians support the use of these drugs, claiming to have more advantages than risks.
Physicians indicate that osteoporosis drugs are most effective when taken at the right time in the right way. Further, physicians advise that the administration of the drugs should only be after a diagnosis of the osteoporosis disorder and that patients should not use the drugs before a complete diagnosis by a physician (Kolata, 2016). According to research, the causes of hip and spinal fractures in the United States have decreased significantly after the introduction of bisphosphonate drugs (Beck, 2016). The drug minimizes bone loss thus reducing the effect of osteoporosis. It is therefore evident that the drug is as effective and has reduced osteoporosis cases over time.
Prescribing the drugs to the right patients and for a limited amount of time increases the efficiency. In the recent past, physicians have moved from prescribing the drug to patients diagnosed with reduced bone density to exclusively those diagnosed, especially women, with osteoporosis. Limiting the prescription period to three to five years for all patients helps reduce the side effects of the drugs. Excessive use of bisphosphonates for prolonged periods results in more dangers than cure as the bones become more brittle (Beck, 2016). The effectiveness of the drugs is therefore dependent on an individual patient and the prescribed period. Physicians continue to prescribe lower amounts of bisphosphonates following a warning from the FDA on the potential side effects of the drugs. The prescription is meant to prevent the adverse effects of osteoporosis and protect patients from side effects. Alternatively, women diagnosed with osteoporosis and are in menopause, are advised to use Denosumab, a drug with better action than bisphosphonates. Denosumab has less severe side effects, affecting mainly the skin than the bones. However, the drug costs more than bisphosphonates.
References
Beck, M. (2016). New Wall Street Journal Article on the Benefits of Bisphosphonates Outweighing the Risks for Many Patients – Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. Retrieved 10 December 2021, from https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/news/new-wall-street-journal-article-on-the-benefits-of-bisphosphonates-outweighing-the-risks-for-many-patients/
Kolata, G. (2016). Fearing Drugs’ Rare Side Effects, Millions Take Their Chances With Osteoporosis (Published 2016). Retrieved 10 December 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/02/health/osteoporosis-drugs-bones.html?_r=0