Different classifications of prescription medications are available for patients with mild to severe osteoporosis. These drugs treat osteoporosis by either killing the cells responsible for bone loss or regulating calcium levels in bones.

Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Reclast, Boniva) are a classification of drug that slow down or prevent the loss of bone mass and can lead to increased bone density. These drugs slow bone loss by killing bone cells that are responsible for breaking down bone (osteoclasts). Bisphosphonates can be used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. They are by far the most commonly-prescribed drug for osteoporosis treatment.

Calcitonin is a hormone that helps regulate calcium in your body and contribute to the bone-building process. It can be taken as a nasal spray, a shot into the muscle or a shot into the fat tissue. Calcitonin is derived from a number of animal species, including humans, but salmon calcitonin has been found to work the best because of its potency, and is therefore the most commonly prescribed.

Parathyroid hormone (Teriparatide) is taken by injection daily. It regulates the body's calcium and phosphate levels in bones. It is usually reserved for men and women with severe cases of osteoporosis.