Patient information

Osteoporosis and osteopenia: looking after your bones

This leaflet explains what your bone scan means, how to lower your risk of breaking a bone, and how to take bone medicines safely.

My bone health

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Name:

Bone scan (DXA) result:

My treatment:

Next review or scan:

Osteoporosis means your bones have become thinner and weaker, so they break more easily – often after a fall from standing height or less. It doesn't cause pain unless a bone breaks.
Osteopenia means your bones are thinner than average but not as thin as in osteoporosis. Many people with osteopenia don't need medicine, but looking after your bones still matters.
Your T-score compares your bone density with a healthy young adult. 0 to −1 is normal, −1 to −2.5 is osteopenia, and −2.5 or lower is osteoporosis.

Calcium: aim for at least 700 mg a day – for example a glass of milk, a pot of yoghurt and a small piece of cheese. Fortified plant milks count.
Vitamin D: get some sunshine in summer, and consider a daily 10 microgram (400 unit) supplement in autumn and winter – or the dose your doctor advises.
Exercise: brisk walking, dancing, stair climbing and strength exercises help bones. Balance exercises such as tai chi lower the risk of falls.
Stop smoking and keep alcohol within 14 units a week.
Reduce falls: good lighting, remove trip hazards, wear well-fitting shoes, and have your eyes checked. Tell us if you have fallen.

Take it once a week, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with a full glass of plain tap water.
Stay sitting or standing upright and don't eat, drink anything other than water, or take other medicines for at least 30 minutes.
Look after your teeth and see a dentist regularly. Tell your dentist you take this medicine.
See your doctor if you get heartburn or pain on swallowing, new thigh, hip or groin pain, or ear pain or discharge.
Treatment usually lasts 5 years before it is reviewed. Some people then have a break from treatment.