I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have been prescribed a bisphosphonate. How long do I need to be on this medication?

Bisphosphonates have to be taken for a very long time. Even though doctors do not say it outright, the treatment is for at least 2-5 years. The reason is that once you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you need to take these medications continuously.  If you stop taking the medication, the bone thinning will continue.

The bisphosphonates have been hyped up a lot but you have to know some facts. The drugs can prevent bone thinning and strengthen bone, but that does not mean you will not develop fractures. If you suffer a hard fall, your bone can still break. Secondly these medications have serious side effects like esophageal ulcers and jaw bone necrosis. Thirdly these medications are exorbitantly expensive. 

If you want to avoid taking these pills for life, change your life style. This means regular walking, eating calcium-fortified foods and not smoking.