Fosamax
35 · 70mg
Designed to mitigate bone density loss in osteoporosis, indicated to support bone structural integrity and reduce the risk of fractures.
Bone Health Medications
Bone is living tissue that constantly breaks down and rebuilds. This category covers medicines that slow that breakdown, supply calcium and vitamin D, or steer hormones, treating thin bones and mineral imbalance.
These medicines treat osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteodystrophy, rickets, hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia and calcium deficiency.
Key points
- Bisphosphonates slow the loss of bone in osteoporosis, whereas calcium and vitamin D simply replace a missing mineral or vitamin.
- Vitamin D analogues such as alfacalcidol help the gut take up calcium, unlike standard vitamin D bought freely as a supplement.
- Standard calcium and vitamin D supplements are freely available, but stronger prescription versions need bone scans and blood monitoring.
Medicines in the Bone Health category
Raloxifene Tablets
60mg
Designed to support bone density, utilized to mitigate the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women by targeting oestrogen pathways.
Alfacip
0.25 · 0.5mcg
Formulated to manage calcium levels, this treatment is indicated to support bone health by regulating mineral metabolism.
Rocaltrol
0.25mg
Formulated to target calcium metabolism, utilized to support bone mineralization in patients with renal impairment.
Phoslo
667mg
Indicated to target serum phosphate levels, utilized to alleviate hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Calcium Carbonate Tablets
500mg
Used to treat calcium deficiency, indicated to support bone mineral density.
One-alpha
0.25mcg
Indicated for calcium metabolic disorders, utilized to support bone health and alleviate mineral deficiencies by promoting calcium absorption in the gut.
What’s in this category
- Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid and alendronic acid slow bone loss in osteoporosis.
- Calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate and calcium acetate replace mineral and, in kidney disease, bind phosphate.
- Vitamin D analogues such as alfacalcidol and calcitriol help the gut absorb calcium.
- SERMs such as raloxifene mimic oestrogen’s protective effect on bone.
UK status
The picture is mixed. Bisphosphonates, vitamin D analogues such as alfacalcidol, and raloxifene are prescription-only (POM), guided by bone scans and blood tests. Plain calcium and standard vitamin D sell freely over the counter as supplements, and pharmacists supply higher-strength versions for diagnosed deficiency.