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Limfa® Therapy vs. Medication

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent condition” because it progresses without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Treatment options for osteoporosis aim to strengthen bones, reduce the risk of fractures, and manage the underlying causes of bone loss. The approach to treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and individual risk factors. Traditionally, osteoporosis medications are the primary treatment option for osteoporosis. Unfortunately, like all medications, they can have side effects. The type and severity of side effects can vary depending on the specific medication. Below is an overview of common osteoporosis medications and their associated side effects:

  • Examples: Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva), Zoledronic acid (Reclast)
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn, esophageal irritation, or ulcers (especially with oral forms).
    • Bone, joint, or muscle pain.
    • Flu-like symptoms (especially with intravenous forms like zoledronic acid).
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare condition where the jawbone fails to heal after a minor injury like a tooth extraction.
    • Atypical femur fractures, which are rare but serious fractures of the thigh bone.

  • Example: Prolia
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Skin rashes.
    • Back, arm, and leg pain.
    • High cholesterol levels.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
    • Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), especially in patients with severe kidney disease.
    • Increased risk of infections, as denosumab affects the immune system.

  • Example: Raloxifene (Evista)
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Hot flashes.
    • Leg cramps.
    • Swelling of the legs or feet.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the legs or lungs).
    • Increased risk of stroke in certain populations.

  • Examples: Teriparatide (Forteo), Abaloparatide (Tymlos)
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Nausea.
    • Dizziness.
    • Leg cramps.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels).
    • Possible increased risk of osteosarcoma (a rare form of bone cancer) with long-term use, though this is primarily a concern in animal studies, and human data is limited.

  • Example: Evenity
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Joint pain.
    • Headache.
    • Injection site reactions.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes. This risk is why romosozumab is generally used only in patients at high risk of fracture who do not have a history of cardiovascular disease.

  • Examples: Estrogen or combined estrogen-progestin therapies
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Breast tenderness.
    • Bloating.
    • Mood changes.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots, particularly with long-term use.

  • Example: Miacalcin (nasal spray or injection)
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Nasal irritation (for nasal spray).
    • Flushing.
    • Nausea.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Potential increased risk of cancer with long-term use, although this risk is not fully established.

  • Common Side Effects:
    • Constipation.
    • Bloating.
  • Serious but Rare Side Effects:
    • Hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood), particularly if supplements are taken in excess.
    • Kidney stones, especially in those predisposed to them.

Interactions with Other Medications: Some osteoporosis medications can interact with other drugs, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of treatment. It’s important to review all medications with a healthcare provider.

Limfa Therapy is a better alternative

Limfa Therapy is pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic fields to promote healing and relieve pain. The therapy involves the use of devices that generate electromagnetic fields in pulsed patterns, which are then directed towards the body. These fields can penetrate tissues and cells, potentially enhancing various physiological processes.

Limfa Therapy causes NO side effects and there is NO risk of adverse events. It has been proven safe and effective to improve bone density, and strength and can improve the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis preventing bone loss and enhancing bone formation. Limfa Therapy treats bone fragility to reduce or eliminate the risk of fragility fractures.

Limfa Therapy is a pharmaceutical-free cellular therapy supported by more than a decade of highly respected clinical research in Europe. OsteoSmart is bringing Limfa Therapy to Illinois for the very first time. Contact OsteoSmart in Hinsdale to schedule a consultation.

References

  • Patel D, Gorrell C, Norris J, Liu J. A narrative review of the pharmaceutical management of osteoporosis. Ann Jt. 2023 Jun 20;8:25. doi: 10.21037/aoj-23-2. PMID: 38529240; PMCID: PMC10929303.
  • LeBoff, M., Greenspan, S., Insogna, K. et al. The clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int 33, 2049–2102 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-021-05900-y
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