Osteoporosis Treatments Cost

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.

• 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^[1] offers an overview of medications used to treat osteoporosis.

• In addition to medication, most doctors prescribe weight-bearing exercise and vitamin supplements, including calcium and vitamin D.

• Walmart^[2] offers the generic version of Fosamax for $9 a month.
• Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Forteo, offers the Lilly Cares^[3] program, which provides discounted prescription drugs to those who qualify.

• 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.

1.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis-treatment/WO00127
2.  www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
3.  www.lillytruassist.com/Pages/index.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost?		How Much Do Crutches Cost?		How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Men's Schwinn Ranger Bike from Target -- pre-assembled! Paid: 190.00 After reading this article I decided to go the budget route. I looked online and saw Target seemed to carry adult bikes, so I went to my local Target and they were out-of-stock, but they sent me to an even bigger Target... [more] -boughtalowendbike Bike Cost Spayed Paid: 70.00 ... [more] -Bamagirl Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Custom awning 19' x 4' installed Paid: 1300.00 Cost includes making n instaling... [more] -Gail Avist Fabric Awning Cost full repipe 2600 square feet Paid: 16000.00 full repipe with PEX, included 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 wet bar... [more] -Patrisha (Trisha) Roth Re-Piping a House Cost Cost and Wearablity Paid: 10000.00 Prostodontist in Mesa, AZ has quoted me $10,000 for full dentures NOT to include extractions (to be done elsewhere). He offers uppers and lowers immediate with a permanent set approx. 6 months later... [more] -First Time Dentures Dentures Cost High cost not covered by insurance Paid: 260.00 Must lower price or include with Medicare and insrance. Doctor charged $200 for 10 minute visit. Approval time by pa... [more] -Anthony melle Medical Marijuana Cost