n. a *monoclonal antibody most commonly used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis to prevent fractures but also indicated at a higher dose to prevent bone damage in patients with bone metastases. Side-effects include a risk of low calcium, infections, joint pains, fatigue, and headache, all more common with the higher doses.
n. a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass, resulting in bones that are liable to fracture. Infection, injury, and *synovitis can cause localized osteoporosis of adjacent bone. Generalized osteoporosis is common in older people, and in women it often follows the menopause. It is also a feature of *Cushing’s syndrome and prolonged steroid therapy. Osteoporosis can be detected by *quantitative digital radiography, ultrasound, and *DEXA scans. A diet with adequate calcium, together with exercise, are preventative, and several drugs, including *bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and *denosumab, can be used to reduce the risk of fracture.... osteoporosis
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