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Overview of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a loss of bone density. When this condition occurs, the body either loses bone mass, or fails to make enough bone. This results in the bones becoming weak.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with osteoporosis may suffer from bone breaks due to minor falls, bumps, or even sneezes.
Osteoporosis is common, with approximately 54 million Americans suffering from the condition. According to studies, as many as 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over the age of 50 will suffer a bone break due to bone loss caused by osteoporosis.
Symptoms
Since there are often no signs or symptoms of osteoporosis, many patients don’t realize they have developed the condition until they have broken a bone. While some patients may notice a change in posture and/or spine curvature, many others have no visible indication. Bone density tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Causes
Many health conditions, medical procedures, and medications may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. These additional risk factors include having autoimmune disorders such as lupus or multiple sclerosis, having celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, undergoing weight loss surgeries, having cancer, and experiencing a stroke. People who suffer from blood or bone marrow disorders may also be at additional risk, as well as people who have HIV/AIDS. Medications that may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis include HIV medications such as Atripla, Complera, Stribild, Truvada, and Viread.
Treatments
Common treatments for osteoporosis include a prescription for bisphosphonates, or drugs that slow down bone loss, as well as hormone therapies including estrogen and testosterone replacements. In some cases, bone-building medications that stimulate the body to produce new bone growth may also be prescribed.
Complications
Complications of osteoporosis may include broken bones, a change in posture, loss of range of motion, a need for permanent medical care, and other side effects due to these changes.
Bone breaks caused by the condition frequently occur in the hip, spine, or wrist, but may happen to any bone. Osteoporosis may also affect the vertebrae in the spine and cause patients to develop a hunched posture. This can affect both the the ability to walk and range of motion.
This bone loss and the risk of breaking bones may also lead to limited mobility. If patients are unable to walk or are in pain due to complications from osteoporosis, the condition may lead them to develop feelings of isolation or depression.
Legal Issues
Osteoporosis affects millions of Americans. Approximately $19 billion is spent every year on osteoporosis treatment and related costs. Additionally, studies have estimated that around two million bones are broken every year due to the condition. Patients who took teonfovir-based HIV medications have reported developing osteoporosis and other bone pathologies.
If you have developed osteoporosis as a side effect of medication, you may qualify to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Victims of drug side effects who file lawsuits may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages.
