Osteopenia is a relatively new diagnosis defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1992. Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal and may be a precursor to osteoporosis. Patients with osteopenia are often prescribed osteoporosis drugs. Since 2003 yearly sales of osteoporosis drugs have doubled. Now the WHO has developed an online tool called FRAX to determine fracture risk of patients and osteoporosis treatment.
In a New York Times article, public health experts state that FRAX has flaws in calculating risk for hip fracture that need to be addressed. The FRAX guidelines recommend osteoporosis drugs when the calculated risk for hip fracture in the next 10 years is 3 percent or the combined risk for hip, spine, shoulder or wrist fracture is 20 percent. However, some experts believe the threshold for medication is too low.
Previous studies suggest that osteoporosis drugs were ineffective and unnecessary in women with osteopenia. Bone-loss medications are known to have serious side effects including GI (gastrointestinal) problems.
"The drugs work if you have osteoporosis," says Dr. Steven Cummings, professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, in the article. "But some studies suggest there is little benefit, if any benefit at all, if you take these drugs when you have osteopenia."
Exoprin Promotes Bone Health
If you suffer from osteoporosis or osteopenia, chances are your medical doctor prescribed bone-loss drugs. Unfortunately, many of these medications are associated with side effects. The popular bone loss drug Fosomax is being sued by patients who claim it causes osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Taking natural nutrients can help promote bone health and reduce osteoporosis symptoms. Progressive Health's Exoprin contains bone-building vitamins and nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, soy isoflavones, ipriflavone and essential minerals. Exporin has been developed to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
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