Osteoporosis Drugs

Question 1

What is osteoporosis and who is the at risk population

Answer 1

Holes in bones due to lack of calcium. Most at risk population is women who are older and have had kids.

Question 2

Oral calcium supplements

Answer 2

Calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate and calcium acetate

Question 3

IV calcium supplements and why would you use IV > oral

Answer 3

Calcium chloride and calcium gluconate. IV is used for critically low blood calcium levels.

Question 4

What are the normal levels for calcium and what would be considered abnormal

Answer 4

Around 8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL. Anything above 10.5 would be considered hypercalcemic and anything below 8.5 would be considered hypocalcemic.

Question 5

Contraindications of calcium supplements

Answer 5

Kidney stones, low blood phosphate. Take caution in patients with kidney disease or decreased GI function

Question 6

What is an extremely important thing for calcium supplements for patient education

Answer 6

Oral calcium supps must be taken with 8oz of water

Question 7

Selective estrogen receptor modulator agonist/antagonist main drug name

Answer 7

Raloxifene

Question 8

What is the use for raloxifene

Answer 8

Prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and cancer prevention

Question 9

What are some risks of raloxifene

Answer 9

Increased risk of pulmonary embolism and DVT, hot flashes and leg cramps

Question 10

Main calcitonin drug, how it is administered and the purpose of it

Answer 10

Calcitonin-salmon (given as a nasal spray). Increases renal calcium excretion and decreases bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclasts

Question 11

What do you need to check for in a patient taking calcitonin-salmon

Answer 11

Chvostek’s signs or Trousseau’s sign (hypocalcemia). Monitor blood calcium levels and nostril irritation

Question 12

What is the only drug to add bone (stimulate bone formation)

Answer 12

Teriparatide

Question 13

Monoclonal antibody drug, route of administration and the use

Answer 13

Denosumab, injection, given every 6 months with daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation

Question 14

Biphosphonate drug names

Answer 14

Ibandronate, risedronate. IV - Zoledronic (once yearly)

Question 15

What is the most common biphosphonate drug

Answer 15

Alendronate

Question 16

What is the purpose of biphosphonates

Answer 16

Decrease osteoclasts and inhibit bone resorption

Question 17

What is an important patient education for biphosphonates

Answer 17

Take with a full glass of water and sit up for 30mins to avoid esophagitis

Question 18

Common side effects to be careful of with biphosphonates

Answer 18

GI disturbance, muscular pain, jaw necrosis (especially in IV administration), renal toxicity