Monitoring Treatment Response

Followup bone density tests should be performed every two to three years to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. If you are taking your medication as prescribed, even if your bone mass does not increase, your risk of fracture will be substantially reduced.

Positive responses to medication include:

• maintenance of bone mass
• improvements in bone density
• no incidence of fractures

If your bone mineral density continues to decline or you fracture a bone, despite taking your medication as directed, your doctor may recommend some tests to rule out secondary causes of osteoporosis. He or she may also suggest trying a new medication.

Length of Therapy for Osteoporosis

There is currently no cure for osteoporosis; if you are at high risk for fracture, your doctor will likely recommend that you take medication for the long term. Your risk of fracture and your individual circumstances will determine the treatment that’s right for you.

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