Comparative safety of bone remodeling agents with a focus on osteoporosis therapies.

This article reviews the different treatments currently available for osteoporosis and examines the benefits and adverse events that are associated with each. While emphasizing safety considerations, this review summarizes the following treatments for osteoporosis: calcium supplements, fluoride, hormone replacement therapy, raloxifene, bisphosphonates, salmon calcitonin, and calcitriol. Before prescribing any of these agents, the clinician should review the risk/benefit profile of each drug in the context of the individual patient's history, concomitant diseases, concurrent medications, and general physical condition.