Osteoporosis: A Serious Condition that Threatens Millions of Americans
As I watch my grandkids play, it's a great motivator for me to keep my bones strong. However, even with calcium, vitamin D, and exercise, I still had to consult my doctor about my bone loss issues. I'm not alone in this struggle - osteoporosis is a serious condition that weakens bones, causing them to fracture easily. This condition threatens more than 50% of Americans age 50 and older, and the vast majority of those affected are women.
My Doctor's Advice: A New Option for Stopping Bone Loss
My doctor told me that I could stop my bone loss, but when I asked about reversing it, she suggested a medication called Boniva. Boniva is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which is different from most other drugs in the class. What makes Boniva unique is that you can take it only once a month, making it convenient for those who want to manage their bone loss without having to take multiple medications daily.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Taking Boniva
Boniva works with your body to help stop and reverse bone loss. Studies have shown that after one year on the medication, ten women were able to stop and reverse their bone loss. However, it's essential to note that studies don't show that Boniva is any more effective than other bisphosphonates, which are available as generics for much less. When taking these medications, you only have to stay upright with an empty stomach for 30 minutes each time, instead of a full hour.
Cutting Costs and Minimizing Side Effects
While Boniva can be expensive, costing up to $100 a month, there is a way to cut costs by about $90 a month. However, it's crucial to note that you should not take Boniva if you have low blood calcium levels or any other underlying health conditions. In rare cases, taking bisphosphonates like Boniva can cause serious side effects, such as bone damage or destruction in the jaw and eye inflammation that can harm your vision.
The Bottom Line: Weighing the Benefits and Risks
I've seen firsthand how effective Boniva can be in reversing bone loss. However, it's essential to consider the costs and potential risks associated with taking this medication. Our medical experts advise that people are more likely to stick with a drug they've started on than to switch to a cheaper version that's just as effective. So, if you're considering taking Boniva or any other bisphosphonate, make sure to consult your doctor to determine whether it's the right option for you.
The Importance of Insurance Coverage and Free Trials
Even if you don't pay at the pharmacy, expensive drugs like Boniva can drive up health insurance costs for everyone. However, some pharmaceutical companies offer free trials as a marketing tool. While these offers may seem attractive, there's something in it for the drug companies - our medical experts say that people are more likely to stick with a drug they've started on than to switch to a cheaper version that's just as effective. So, if you're considering taking Boniva or any other medication, make sure to weigh the benefits and risks carefully.
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sponsored by no one youmy grandkids they're a great reason for me to keep my bones strong but even with calcium vitamin D and exercise I still got off to your per office Sally's not alone osteoporosis is a serious condition that weakens bones causing them to fracture easily it threatens more than 50% of Americans age 50 and older and the vast majority of those affected are women I never thought I could do more than stop my bone loss and the my doctor told me I could but once monthly boniva boniva is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates it's different from most of the other drugs in the class and that you can take it only once a month that's convenient especially considering that you have to take Bonilla on an empty stomach and then avoid lying down eating or drinking anything for an hour but it can cost as much as $100 a month and there's no approved generic version available yet boniva works with your body to help stop and reverse bone loss studies show after one year on don't even I now dove ten women stopped and reversed their bone loss I know I did but studies don't show that boniva is any more effective than other bisphosphonates one of which you can get as a generic for much less you have to take some of them more often once a week or even daily but you only have to stay upright with an empty stomach for 30 minutes each time instead of a full hour more important you can cut your costs by about $90 a month don't take boniva if you have low blood calcium tear yourself away from this vigorous game of Twister so we can tell you about some of the more serious side effects associated with this class of drug you take this fascinates to help make your bones stronger but one potential side effect is bone damage or destruction in the jaw another possible risk eye inflammation that can harm your vision these side effects are very rare but talk to your doctor to make sure you're not taking a bisphosphonate before it's necessary or for longer than you need to I've 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by no one you\n"
