Drugs for Osteoporosis Flashcards
List THREE major classes of pharmacological therapy for osteoporosis.
- Dietary supplementation
- Antiresorpitive agents
- Anabolic agents
List the TWO major dietary supplements for osteoporosis.
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
Why is it essential to ensure sufficient Vitamin D when supplementing calcium for osteoporosis?
Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium from the intestine.
List FOUR classes of antiresorptive agents.
- Bisphosphonates
- Anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies
- Oestrogens
- Calcitonin
List TWO classes of anabolic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis.
- Anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibodies
- Parathyroid hormone therapies
Name ONE example of an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody biological drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Denosumab
What is denosumab? Briefly explain its mechanism(s) of action.
Denosumab is an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody biological drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.
It inhibits the function of RANKL released from osteocytes preventing it from stimulating osteoclast activity.
This reduces osteoclast activity to have an antiresorptive action reducing the breakdown and resorption of bone.
Name ONE example of an anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibody biological drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Romosozumab
What is romosozumab?
Romosozumab is an anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibody biological drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.
It inhibits the function of sclerostin released from osteocytes, preventing it from inhibiting osteoblast activity. Sclerostin is a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation and activity through inhibition of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway.
This increases osteoblast activity to have an anabolic effect increasing bone growth.
Name ONE example of a parathyroid hormone therapy for osteoporosis.
Teriparatide
Name ONE example of an ORAL bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Risedronic acid [risedronate] (alternatively alendronic acid [alendronate] or ibandronic acid [ibandronate])
Name ONE example of an INTRAVENOUS bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Zoledronic acid [zoledronate] (alternatively ibandronic acid [ibandronate])
How should ORAL bisphosphonates be taken? Explain why.
Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water (at least 240 ml) and wait 30 min to 1 hour before taking breakfast. Do not lie down for 30 min to 1 hour after taking the medication.
Bisphosphonates have very poor oral bioavailability, and their absorption is significantly reduced by food or mineral water.
Bisphosphonates can cause upper gastrointestinal tract mucosal irritation resulting in acid reflux, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
How frequently should bisphosphonates be administered?
Oral: once a week (risedronic acid/ alendronic acid) or once a month (risedronic acid)
Intravenous: once a year (zoledronic acid)
List FIVE common (≥ 1 in 100) adverse effects of ORAL bisphosphonates.
- Acid reflux (heartburn) and heartburn-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Musculoskeletal aches
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Name ONE common (≥ 1 in 100) adverse effect of INTRAVENOUS, but not oral, bisphosphonates.
Flu-like symptoms