Japan osteoporosis

[Raleigh59]

What are the Japanese taking for osteoporosis?

[accuneedle29]

I do not know particulars about Japanese medications for osteoporosis, just that Oriental herbs have been used in Asia for many years. Epimedium is one herb shown to have good results in building bone. It seems to be used in combination w/ other herbs. There are articles on line -some very technical about the results in studies.

[Southerngirl2787]

The Japanese have approved a "better" medication...Minodronic acid hydrate is a novel bisphosphonate with stronger anti-resorptive effects, compared to the other existing bisphosphonates. We performed additional analyses of phase III clinical trial and compared the effect of minodronic acid hydrate on bone turnover markers with those of alendronate in primary osteoporosis. The results showed that minodronic acid hydrate suppressed bone turnover early after treatment, and it also was effective in the treatment of patients with prevalent vertebral fracture, which is a high risk for subsequent fracture. A comparative study between this new formulation and once-daily minodronic acid (1 mg) showed no significant differences between the two formulations in terms of improvement rates in lumbar-spine and hip-joint bone density, changes in bone metabolism markers, or incidence of side effects. This indicates the noninferiority of the monthly formulation. Side effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical femoral fractures were not reported with other bisphosphonates, although it is believed that these side effects may emerge as future studies continue to be conducted. On the basis of studies conducted to date, minodronic acid hydrate is considered effective for improving bone density and preventing fractures. We anticipate further investigations in the future.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

do you mean Medronic acid?

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

No. It's different. A 3rd generation bisphosphonate.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

how do you get it - is it better

[yogalibrarian in reply to Southerngirl2787]

Has it been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.? If not it's an interesting story to watch for future developments, but not a viable treatment in the U.S. The FDA's strict guidelines have kept at least one drug out of the US market which was later pulled from the market in Europe because of potentially lethal side effects

[Southerngirl2787]

Its not approved here

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

what company is selling it

Is this the best oral medicine in the world for OP?

[Southerngirl2787]

I don't think it's been determined to be "the best"...even though the Japanese do have quality standards. At this point, there are several trials, you can go to pubmed.gov and read them. Look like Japan and China have studies. It's not approved anywhere else. I'd opinion it's far too early in a legitimate study cycle. Rushing drugs to market is always a mistake.

[HeronNS]

The Japanese have done studies on Vitamin K2, determining it to be helpful in maintaining bone density as it is a key nutrient to send calcium into the bones. The source of Vitamin K2 supplements is Japanese fermented soy, natto.