Best treatment for Osteoporosis in the hips.

[smtamt]

have been told that Prolia (denosumab) is less effective for reducing hip fractures and increases infection risks. Can Prolia increase bone density in the hips (i.e. Femur neck left and femur neck right) and reduce the risk of hip fracture after a fall or should my mother go for Reclast / Aclasta (zolendronic acid) to reduce the risk of hip fractures? All the medicines (prolia/teriparatide/ Aclasta) works works magically to increase bone density in AP spine but not the hips. Can Biphosphonates like Reclast or Aclasta be taken for more than 3 years? Can my mother stop Prolia after taking it for 5 years or will it again enhance breaking of bones in hips and spine? Is estrogen therapy god for 78 years old post menopausal woman?

Reply

[Met00]

I don't think any of us here are experts, we just share from personal experience and what we've read. There's lots of information on the internet if you google it. For example: medpagetoday.com/endocrinol.... As some have already shared, there is a risk of side effects from all the osteoporosis meds (although many people take them quite happily without any problems), and in addition to this, if you stop taking prolia without going onto another med, there's a high risk of multiple vertebral fractures within a year (sometimes just a matter of weeks/months) of stopping it.

[HeronNS]

In an earlier post

healthunlocked.com/american...

you listed your mother's tscores. Has she had a recent fragility fracture? If not, she should not need bone medications as her scores are still only osteopenia, more accurately called low bone mass and meds are not recommended for that. These ALL come with significant side effects and they do not work well in people of very advanced years. She would do better with a good diet, a few supplements and whatever exercise she can manage. Can she walk? Even a short daily walk can help maintain bone density.

To answer your direct question I believe Prolia is considered more effective for the spine than the hip.

If she has had a fracture then you must consult with experts, possibly a call to the help line of the osteoporosis association in your country.