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Risk Factors

See Checklist for Osteoporosis Risk Factors


Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and approximately another 34 million people are estimated to have low bone mass, a condition that increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.

The majority of those with osteoporosis are women. The condition can affect people regardless of ethnic background, but postmenopausal women who are of Caucasian or Asian descent face a higher risk.

You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you:

  • Are a postmenopausal woman over 50
  • Are Caucasian or Asian, although African-American and Hispanic women are also at risk
  • Have a family or personal history of fractures after age 50
  • Are small-boned and thin
  • Had early menopause before the age of 45 or stopped menstruating before menopause due to anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercise, or unknown causes
  • Are a smoker or a heavy drinker
  • Have not consumed adequate amounts of calcium and/or have vitamin D deficiency
  • Have an inactive lifestyle
  • Take certain medications for chronic diseases (i.e. corticosteroids and chemotherapy)
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In the fall of 2004, the Surgeon General issued a report on bone health and osteoporosis. According to that report, you could be at risk for developing osteoporosis if you have certain conditions or risk factors. Here's a quick checklist to print out, fill out, and take to your doctor.

Checklist for Osteoporosis Risk Factors* Print and complete this checklist, and discuss it with your healthcare provider
Number 1  Check all that apply to you:
  • I'm older than 65
  • I've broken a bone after the age of 50
  • A close relative has osteoporisis or has broken a bone
  • My overall health is "fair" or "poor"
  • I am a smoker
  • I am underweight for my height
  • I am a woman who started the "change of life" (menopause) before age 45
  • I've never gotten enough calcium
  • I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week
  • I have poor vision, even with glasses
  • I sometimes fall
  • I'm not active
Number 2  I have one of these medical conditions:
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Chronic hepatic or renal disease
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Cushing's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
Number 3  I take one of these medicines:
  • Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
  • Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
  • Thyroid medicine
  • Antiepileptic medications
  • Gonadal hormone suppression
  • Immunosuppressive agents
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*Source: The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis

It is important to note that BONIVA is not indicated for all women with osteoporosis. BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).

It is not known how long BONIVA works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if BONIVA is still right for you.

Indication

BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).

It is not known how long BONIVA works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if BONIVA is still right for you.

Important Safety Information

You should not take BONIVA if you have certain problems with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, or are allergic to BONIVA or any of its ingredients.

BONIVA can cause serious side effects including problems with the esophagus, low blood calcium, bone, joint or muscle pain, severe jaw bone problems, and unusual thigh bone fractures.

Before starting BONIVA, tell your doctor if you have problems with swallowing, stomach or digestive problems, have low blood calcium, plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed or have kidney problems.

Stop taking BONIVA and tell your doctor right away if you have pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Call your doctor immediately if jaw problems, hip, groin, or thigh pain develop, or if you have symptoms of low blood calcium such as spasms, twitching, cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

Follow the dosing instructions for once-monthly BONIVA carefully.

The most common side effects are back pain, heartburn, stomach area pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling
1-800-FDA-1088.

Talk to your doctor for more information or if you have questions about your treatment.

Please see full
Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for additional important safety information.

Is BONIVA right for you? Print out questions to ask your healthcare provider Click here