DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently saw a television ad for Atelvia, a new osteoporosis treatment. Since I’ve never heard of it before, can you tell me anything about this product?
DEAR READER: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Atelvia (risedronate sodium) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is essentially a delayed-release form of Actonel. It is available in pill form that should not be crushed or chewed and is to be taken once a week with at least a half cup of plain water immediately following breakfast. A person may stand or sit but should not lie down for 30 minutes following ingestion. If antacids or calcium supplements are taken routinely, they should be consumed at a different time of day than the Atelvia.
Common side effects include upset stomach, muscle, back and joint pain, diarrhea and flu-like symptoms. If you have medical conditions other than osteoporosis, a kidney disorder or difficulty swallowing pills, speak with your physician before using Atelvia.
There are numerous other medications on the market that treat osteoporosis. Some of the side effects can be dramatic. While they don’t occur for everyone, they have been documented and should be reviewed with a personal physician before usage begins. For example, bisphosphonates (the drug category of Fosamax, Actonel, Atelvia, Boniva and others) can cause severe muscle, joint and bone pain, upset stomach, inflammation and erosion of the esophagus, and osteonecrosis (bone-cell death). Furthermore, they have been reported to weaken the femur and result in nontraumatic fractures of the bone and can cause atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm of the heart.
I am not implying that preventive care is the complete answer or opposing physician-prescribed medication for postmenopausal osteoporosis. But until you make a decision on a drug, try limiting your caffeine intake to about three cups of coffee or other caffeine-containing products per day; discontinue smoking; and add soy, calcium with vitamin D supplements, potassium, vitamin K, and fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, as they should give your bones a boost. If you are physically able, add regular exercise to your daily routine to prevent further bone loss.
If you are on corticosteroids, a diuretic (water pill), thyroid medication or take antacids containing aluminum, be sure to speak with your physician regarding any possible connection with it or them and your osteoporosis.
Readers who would like additional information can order my Health Report “Osteoporosis” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website’s direct link at www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
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