 | With Insurance: Copays and/or Coinsurance |
|
 | Without Insurance: Prescriptions Can Run $10-$900 a Month |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
| Osteoporosis treatment usually consists of medication that will slow bone deterioration and reduce the risk of fractures. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients not covered by health insurance, the cost of osteoporosis treatment ranges from, on the low end, about $10 a month for the generic version of Fosamax, which recently became available, to about $80 a month for brand-name Fosamax or Actonel to $900 or more a month for Forteo, an injectable brand-name drug prescribed for severe cases.
- Osteoporosis treatments typically are considered medically necessary and covered by health insurance when prescribed by a doctor.
- For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a prescription drug copay, usually ranging from $5 to $150 or more, depending on which drug is used and how the insurance company classifies that drug.
What should be included: | - The most commonly prescribed class of drugs for osteoporosis are bisphosphonates, including the brand names Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva. They work by interfering with the action of a type of bone cell that breaks down bone tissue.
- Another class of drugs, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS), which includes the brand-name drug Evista, act like estrogen in the body without increasing risk of uterine and possibly breast cancers as estrogen could.
- Another type of drug, Forteo, which can actually rebuild bone instead of just stopping bone loss, is a synthetic version of the hormone parathyroid. It is given by injection daily, and a patient can be taught how to self-administer it.
- The Mayo Clinic offers an overview of medications used to treat osteoporosis.
Additional costs: | - In addition to medication, most doctors prescribe weight-bearing exercise and vitamin supplements, including calcium and vitamin D.
Discounts: | - Walmart offers the generic version of Fosamax for $9 a month.
- Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Forteo, offers the Lilly Cares program, which provides discounted prescription drugs to those who qualify.
Shopping for osteoporosis treatments: | - There is no physician specialty dedicated to the treatment of osteoporosis, but a primary care physician or gynecologist can treat the disease. Or, the National Osteoporosis Foundation offers a guide to finding a doctor knowledgeable about osteoporosis, as well as a doctor locator by state.
- A doctor will help a patient to choose the best osteoporosis treatment. However, WebMD offers a guide to choosing among osteoporosis drugs.
- Side effects of bisphosphonates can include nausea, upset stomach or heartburn. In very rare cases, they can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which a part of the jawbone deteriorates. Side effects of Evista can include increased risk of blood clots or stroke. Side effects of Forteo can include an increased risk for bone cancer.
|
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
|
Article updated August 2009 |
|
E-mail
Post