Osteoporosis is common — two in 10 women over age 50 have it. Osteoporosis happens when your body loses more bone tissue than it produces. Bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. Unfortunately, the first sign of osteoporosis is often a broken bone.
Aloiya Kremer, MD, a Sports Medicine Physician and the Medical Director for St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine, is passionate about helping men and women understand their osteoporosis risk. She also provides treatment options to help them rebuild bone. These treatments include two injectable drugs for people at high risk for fractures. We sat down with Dr. Kremer to ask about these medications and the importance of early detection and treatment.
You’re a Sports Medicine Doctor. How Did You Get Interested in Osteoporosis Care?
Dr. Kremer: I worked in an orthopedics practice after my fellowship training. I noticed that a lot of my patients had suffered many osteoporosis-related fractures over the years. But they hadn’t been treated for the root cause, which was osteoporosis. Unfortunately, their experience is common. Only one in five people with an osteoporosis-related hip fracture receives subsequent treatment for osteoporosis.
Fractures can have devastating consequences, including pain, loss of independence and even a higher risk of death. The goal is to catch osteoporosis early, but severe osteoporosis is treatable with injectable medication options.
Tell Us About These Injectables.
Dr. Kremer: Prolia® is for women and men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. The dose is one injection under the skin every six months.
The other is Evenity®, a newer agent that came out in 2019. It’s for women with severe osteoporosis who have a very high risk of fracture. With Evenity, you get a monthly injection for 12 months.
Both drugs are very effective at reducing fracture risk, and most people don’t experience side effects. After the initial treatment course with Evenity, many patients get Prolia injections every six months thereafter to maintain their bone health.
I offer both injectable medications at Sports Medicine – Mt. Zion in Florence, Ky., which is easily accessible. Previously, they were only available at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare hospital location in Edgewood.
Treatment for those with less advanced osteoporosis is different. These people may be able to lower their risk of fracture with lifestyle changes, such as getting more calcium in their diet and doing bone-building exercises. Their doctor may recommend an oral drug such as Fosamax.
How Can People Find Out Their Osteoporosis Risk?
Dr. Kremer: People 50 or older should talk to their Primary Care doctor about their osteoporosis risk factors. Or they can make an appointment with me at Sports Medicine – Mt. Zion or Sports Medicine – Griffin in Erlanger, Ky. I offer a comprehensive osteoporosis evaluation. I am passionate about helping patients understand their osteoporosis risk and providing early detection and treatment guidance.
Can People Get Screened for Osteoporosis?
Dr. Kremer: Yes! A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is a quick, painless, non-invasive imaging test measuring bone mineral density. It is available with a provider referral and can predict your fracture risk to guide treatment.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends DEXA scans for women 65 and older. However, a doctor can order it for younger patients with risk factors. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Age – After age 50, one in two women and one in four men will have an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime.
- Build – People with thin stature are at higher risk.
- Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture.
- Gender – Women are at higher risk than men.
- Race – White and Asian people are at higher risk.
Lifestyle plays a role. If you smoke, consume a lot of alcohol, or if you are inactive, your risk is higher. Certain medications and medical conditions can also raise your risk.
We Care About Your Bone Health
Bone health is an essential part of your overall well-being. If you are over 50, consider making an appointment for an osteoporosis evaluation.
Interested in making an appointment with Dr. Kremer? Call our scheduling team at (859) 212-5600.
Do you need a Primary Care doctor? The St. Elizabeth “Find a Doctor” tool can help. Search for a doctor near you.
