Reclast

• Reclast (zoledronic acid) is an intravenously injected medication for post-menopausal women that is given at the doctor's office. Reclast stands apart from other osteoporosis treatments because it is only taken once per year. Reclast has been shown to reduce the risk of spine fracture by 70 percent and hip fracture by 41 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Evista

• Evista is particularly effective in post-menopausal women with low estrogen levels. Evista also eliminates the increased risk of breast and uterine cancer associated with traditional estrogen- replacement therapy.
  
  

Hormone Therapy

• Hormone therapy is a treatment for women that involves taking synthetic hormones to combat bone loss. However, hormone therapy is in decline because of concerns regarding its long-term safety.
  
  

Biphosphonates

• Bisphosphonates constitute a class of drugs that are typically prescribed for men and young adults who suffer from osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are normally taken orally at once weekly or once monthly intervals. Side effects, which can be severe, include nausea, abdominal pain, and the risk of an inflamed esophagus or esophageal ulcers
  
  

Calcitonin

• Calcitonin is typically administered as a nasal spray, but it may also be injected. Calcitonin is used to treat both men and women, especially those who do not tolerate other treatments well.
  
  

Experimental Therapy

• A new experimental therapy to reduce back pain and combat the risks of fractures is spinal weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO), a harness with a light weight attached combined with certain back extension exercises. The harness is worn in the morning and evening while performing repetitions of back exercises designed to improve posture.