DiseasesOsteoporosis drugs—do they strengthen bones or just the numbers in test results?
Sources: 12 · Article: 14 512 characters
Jerzy Zięba describes some osteoporosis drugs as agents that slow bone breakdown, but considers their treatment minimally effective and associated with risks.
- Jerzy Zięba says that bisphosphonates may be associated with serious side effects, including atypical femoral fractures.
- Jerzy Jaśkowski questions the link between bone density and fractures, while Henryk Różański writes that strontium compounds strengthen bone structure.
- So Jerzy Zięba does not present all methods as merely changing test results: he describes how they work while also questioning the effectiveness of some drugs.
What the authors write
Jerzy Zięba
Bisphosphonates slow the activity of cells that remove old bone tissue, so more bone cells remain in the bone.
„This is how the most commonly used group of drugs for treating osteoporosis, called bisphosphonates, came about. They work in the way described above. Of course, there are also other types of drugs from other groups, such as so-called selective estrogen receptor modulators or parathyroid hormone, and so on.”Tak właśnie narodziła się najczęściej stosowana w leczeniu osteoporozy grupa leków zwanych bisfosfoniany, które działają w powyżej opisany sposób. Oczywiście ... są jeszcze innego rodzaju leki z innych grup np. tzw. Selektywnych Modulatorów Receptora Estrogenowego czy parathormonu itd.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba considers treatment with bisphosphonates lengthy and minimally effective, and lists serious side effects.
„Unfortunately, despite their impressive names, experience shows that treatment with these substances is lengthy and minimally effective, while carrying serious side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, irritation of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers, bone, muscle and joint pain, and narrowing of the esophagus.”Niestety, pomimo mądrych nazw, praktyka wskazuje, że leczenie tymi substancjami jest długie i mało skuteczne, natomiast obarczone jest poważnymi skutkami ubocznymi jak np. bóle brzucha, nudności, wymioty, zaparcia, biegunka, zaburzenia połykania, podrażnienie przełyku, owrzodzenia przełyku, ból kości, mięśni i stawów, zwężenia przełyku.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba says that researchers have linked bisphosphonate use to atypical femoral fractures.
„In a 2011 publication, Swedish scientists wrote that the use of bisphosphonates leads to atypical femoral fractures! So how can that be? Something that is supposed to prevent fractures causes them? Unfortunately, yes. On the website of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, in a publication titled …”Naukowcy ze Szwecji, w publikacji z 2011 r. napisali, że stosowanie bisfosfonianów prowadzi do nietypowych złamań kości udowej! To jak to jest? Coś co ma zapobiegać złamaniom je powoduje? Niestety - tak. Na stronie internetowej: Urzędu Rejestracji Produktów Leczniczych,
Wyrobów Medycznych i Produktów Biobójczych, w publikacji pt.
Jerzy Zięba
Denosumab works by blocking cells that break down bone, and Jerzy Zięba lists numerous possible side effects.
„How does it work? Just like all the other bisphosphonates, it simply uses a different mechanism to block osteoclast activity! Does it have any side effects? A few. The most common side effects observed during clinical trials were back pain, pain in the arms and legs, skin reactions (rash, eczema), muscle, bone and tendon pain, high cholesterol, bladder infections, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infections, swelling of the hands, feet and forearms, sciatica, insomnia, spinal arthritis, reflux, anemia, pneumonia, shingles, general weakness, and so on.”Jak działa? Tak samo jak wszystkie inne bisfosfoniany, wykorzystuje tylko inny mechanizm blokowania działania osteoklastów! Czy ma jakieś skutki uboczne? Trochę. Naj częściej występujące skutki uboczne jakie zauważono w czasie badań klinicznych, to: ból pleców, ból w rąk i nóg, reakcje skórne (wysypka, egzema), bóle mięśni, kości, ścięgien, podwyższony poziom cholesterolu, infekcje pęcherza moczowego, zawroty głowy, infekcje górnych dróg oddechowych, opuchlizna rąk, stóp, przedramion, rwa kulszowa, bezsenność, artretyzm kręgosłupa, refluks, anemia, zapalenia płuc, półpasiec, ogólne osłabienia itd.
Jerzy Jaśkowski
Jerzy Jaśkowski claims that bone density is not related to fractures.
„In fact, there is no link between bone density and fractures. What is more, sooner or later orthopedists tell almost every woman to have a bone density test. It is an ordinary X-ray, something that is already being almost phased out. Taking vitamin D, however, is not recommended, even though so much depends on it, especially for people over 40–50 years of age.”Tak naprawdę nie ma związku między gęstością kości a złamaniami. Na dodatek ortopedzi niemal każdej kobiecie wcześniej czy później każą wykonać badanie gęstości kości. To jest zwykły rentgen, czyli coś, co już jest niemal wycofywane. Nie jest natomiast zalecane zażywanie witaminy D, a od tego przecież tak dużo zależy, zwłaszcza u osób powyżej 40-50 roku życia.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański says that organic strontium compounds strengthen bone structure and increase the mineralization of bone tissue.
„Modern research has confirmed that organic strontium compounds strengthen bone structure, increase the mineralization of bone tissue, and prevent bones from softening. Strontium ranelate (at a dose of 2 g/day) is used to treat osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and bone fractures and cracks in older people, and to prevent fractures of the vertebrae and femoral neck.”Współczesne badania potwierdziły, że organiczne związki strontu wzmacniają strukturę kości, zwiększają stopień mineralizacji tkanki kostnej, zapobiegają rozmiękczaniu kości. Ranelinian strontu (w dawce 2 g/dobę) jest stosowany w leczeniu osteoporozy, osteomalacji, złamań i pęknięć kości w wieku podeszłym, w profilaktyce złamania kręgów i szyjki kości udowej.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański writes that strontium ranelate is used to treat osteoporosis and prevent certain fractures.
„Strontium ranelate (at a dose of 2 g/day) is used to treat osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and bone fractures and cracks in older people, and to prevent fractures of the vertebrae and femoral neck. Calcium supplements are also recommended, as calcium is incorporated into bone tissue more efficiently in the presence of strontium.”Ranelinian strontu (w dawce 2 g/dobę) jest stosowany w leczeniu osteoporozy, osteomalacji, złamań i pęknięć kości w wieku podeszłym, w profilaktyce złamania kręgów i szyjki kości udowej. Równocześnie zaleca się podawanie preparatów wapnia, które są sprawniej wbudowywane w tkankę kostną w obecności strontu.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba says that an analysis of the research found no conclusive evidence that calcium prevents bone fractures.
„The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearly states that calcium is helpful only while bones are growing, from childhood to relatively early adulthood, but not after they have stopped growing. So why do doctors and dietitians tirelessly recommend “more calcium”?”Amerykańska Agencja do spraw Żywności i Leków (FDA), wyraźnie stwierdza, że wapń jest pomocny tylko w okresie wzrastania kości, od dzieciństwa do stosunkowo wczesnej młodości, ale nie wtedy, kiedy kości przestały już rosnąć. Dlaczego więc lekarze czy dietetycy niezmordowanie zalecają: „więcej wapnia”?
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba warns that taking vitamin D supplements without vitamin K2 at the same time may be dangerous, and writes that K2 may slow processes that contribute to osteoporosis.
„We often hear recommendations to prevent osteoporosis by taking vitamin D supplements. However, without taking vitamin K2 at the same time, this recommendation is downright dangerous! But who talks about vitamin K2? It is the most powerful natural weapon against osteoporosis.”Często słyszymy zalecenia dotyczące zapobiegania osteoporozie poprzez suplementację witaminą D. Jednakże bez jednoczesnego zastosowania witaminy K2, rekomendacja taka jest wręcz niebezpieczna! Kto jednak mówi o witaminie K2? A jest to najpotężniejsza, naturalna broń przeciwko osteoporozie.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp says that replenishing bicarbonate may help calcium salts become incorporated into bone and may prevent osteoporosis.
„The author’s personal clinical and scientific experience suggests that in acidosis, the balance of the bone-collagen matrix shifts toward increased bone breakdown (= catabolism), as mineral salts flow out of the bone. By contrast, well-filled bicarbonate reserves favor the retention of bone mineral salts by incorporating calcium salts into the bone matrix (= anabolism), and may therefore prevent osteoporosis.”Persönliche klinische und wissenschaftliche Erfahrungen des Autors, weisen darauf hin, dass bei Azidose die Homöostase der Knochen-Kollagen-Matrix durch den Ausstrom der Mineralsalze aus dem Knochen in Richtung eines erhöhten Knochen-Abbaus verschoben wird (= Katabolie), während gut gefüllte Bikarbonat-Reserven den Knochenmineralsalzbestand durch den Einbau von Calcium-Salzen in die Knochengrundsubstanz begünstigen (=Anabolie) und daher eine Osteoporose verhindern können.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 1 709.
Bisphosphonates not only limit bone loss but also improve bone structure and strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Aim of the study: Osteoporosis results from bone loss caused by an imbalance in bone turnover, in which bone resorption exceeds bone formation. Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast activity. They reduce bone turnover and restore the balance between bone resorption and formation.
Results: They are effective in several clinical settings, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, low bone mass in men, and drug-induced bone loss. Intermittent oral dosing and intravenous administration are more convenient than the original daily dosing regimen. These drugs are generally well tolerated and have an excellent safety profile, with serious side effects being uncommon. Potent bisphosphonates are generally the preferred treatment option for most patients with or at risk of osteoporosis.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Drugs approved for treating osteoporosis reduce fracture risk in people at high risk, although they usually do not fully restore bone strength.
Aim of the study: Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by decreased bone mass, loss of skeletal integrity, and increased susceptibility to fracture. Drugs used to treat osteoporosis can be classified as those that block bone resorption (antiresorptive), stimulate bone formation (anabolic), or do both.
Results: Given the growing list of pharmacological agents currently available, careful consideration is needed as to which drugs to use and in what sequence. This review evaluates the different effects of antiresorptive, bone-forming, and dual-acting drugs when used in specific sequences, and explores current evidence supporting the initial use of bone-forming or dual-acting drugs followed by antiresorptive medications. It also examines the idea that long-term treatment with an antiresorptive drug may reduce the effectiveness of subsequent treatment with a bone-forming or dual-acting drug. Finally, this review explores current evidence on how best to prevent the clinical consequences of stopping denosumab.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In women with severe osteoporosis, romosozumab followed by alendronate reduced fracture risk more than alendronate alone.
Aim of the study: The Active-Controlled Fracture Study in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis at High Risk (ARCH) trial (NCT01631214; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01631214) showed that 1 year of romosozumab followed by alendronate led to greater gains in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and a greater reduction in fracture risk than alendronate alone.
Results: In conclusion, romosozumab significantly improved bone mass and bone strength measures in the lumbar spine compared with alendronate. These results are consistent with the greater reduction in vertebral fracture risk observed with romosozumab versus alendronate in ARCH, and provide insight into the structural factors behind this difference in treatment effect. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Amgen, UCB Pharma, Amgen Inc
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyclinical study in people
Participants4 093
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In people with Parkinson’s disease, some studies have found that bisphosphonates, vitamin D and calcium may increase bone density and reduce fractures.
Aim of the study: Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at high risk of osteoporotic fractures due to falls and reduced bone mass. This review summarizes the underlying mechanisms of bone loss in PD by reviewing the available literature.
Results: PD patients have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than people of the same age without PD. Bone loss in PD has multiple causes, including immobility, reduced muscle strength and low body weight. Vitamin D deficiency is also important, not only because it reduces BMD, but also because cell function in the substantia nigra depends on vitamin D. Finally, hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor for osteoporosis, is common in PD due to levodopa use and deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid. A few studies have shown that treatment with bisphosphonates, vitamin D and calcium can increase BMD and reduce fractures in PD patients. Bone loss in PD has multiple causes. It is clinically important because of the accompanying risk of fractures. Screening for osteoporosis should be considered more often, and treatment should be started.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„[36] Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis. [37] Too much vitamin D worsens osteoporosis. [38] During bone growth and development, vitamin D plays an important role in bone density. [39] Therapeutic doses of vitamin D reduced all-cause mortality. [40,41] Estrogens and Osteoporosis: Estrogen reduces coronary calcium deposits. [42] The higher the E2, the lower the CAC score. [43] Estrogen inhibits a protease that promotes calcification. [44] Estrogen deficiency leads to an increase in inflammation-promoting cytokines. [45] Reduction in fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis.”[36] A deficiency of vitamin D leads to osteoporosis. [37] Too much vitamin D exacerbates osteoporosis. [38] During bone growth and development, vitamin D plays an important role in bone density. [39] Therapeutic doses of vitamin D reduced all-cause mortality. [40,41] Estrogens and Osteoporosis: Estrogen reduces coronary calcium deposition. [42] The higher the E2, the lower the CAC score. [43] Estrogen inhibits a calcification-promoting protease. [44] Estrogen deficiency leads to an increase in cytokines that promote inflammation. [45] Reduction of fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Funding flows to drug trials, while nutrition trials languish. Guidelines cite a “lack of RCT evidence” to sideline vitamins, diet and detoxification. Medical students learn to prescribe pills, not food or lifestyle changes. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this flaw in real time. Frontline doctors using high-dose vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc saw clear clinical benefits, yet these treatments were ridiculed for lacking “large RCTs” [17,18]. Meanwhile, costly antivirals and mRNA products received emergency approval based on limited, industry-sponsored trials. Science became politics wearing a lab coat.”Funding flows to drug trials; nutrition trials languish. Guidelines cite "lack of RCT evidence" to sideline vitamins, diet, and detoxification. Medical students learn to prescribe pills, not food or lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed this flaw in real time. Frontline doctors using high-dose vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc saw clear clinical benefits, yet these interventions were ridiculed for lacking "large RCTs" [17,18]. Meanwhile, costly antivirals and mRNA products received emergency approval based on limited, industry-sponsored trials. Science became politics wearing a lab coat.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„(2015) Radiolucent periapical lesions and bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. Gerodontology 32:195–201. PMID: 24164489 152. Katz J, Rotstein I (2021) Prevalence of periapical lesions in patients with osteoporosis. Journal of Endodontics 47:234–238. PMID: 33130060 153. Allihaibi M, Niazi S, Farzadi S et al. (2023) Prevalence of apical periodontitis in patients with autoimmune diseases: a case-control study. International Endodontic Journal 56:573–583. PMID: 36747086 154. Dolan S, Rae E (2023) Apical periodontitis and autoimmune diseases—should we be screening patients prior to therapy? Evidence-Based Dentistry 24:64–65.”(2015) Radiolucent periapical lesions and bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. Gerodontology 32:195-201. PMID: 24164489 152. Katz J, Rotstein I (2021) Prevalence of periapical lesions in patients with osteoporosis. Journal of Endodontics 47:234-238. PMID: 33130060 153. Allihaibi M, Niazi S, Farzadi S et al. (2023) Prevalence of apical periodontitis in patients with autoimmune diseases: a case-control study. International Endodontic Journal 56:573-583. PMID: 36747086 154. Dolan S, Rae E (2023) Apical periodontitis and autoimmune diseases-should we be screening patients prior to therapy? Evidence-Based Dentistry 24:64-65.
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