Matching articles for "calcium supplements"

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 8, 2024;  (Issue 1706)
Pharmacologic treatment is recommended for postmenopausal women who have bone density T-scores (standard deviations from normal mean values in the spine, femoral neck, total hip, or distal radius) of -2.5...
Pharmacologic treatment is recommended for postmenopausal women who have bone density T-scores (standard deviations from normal mean values in the spine, femoral neck, total hip, or distal radius) of -2.5 or below, T-scores between -1.0 and -2.5 with a history of fragility (low-trauma) fracture of the hip or spine, or T-scores between -1.0 and -2.5 with a FRAX 10-year probability of ≥3% for hip fracture or ≥20% for major osteoporotic fracture.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Jul 8;66(1706):105-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Severe Hypocalcemia with Denosumab (Prolia) in Chronic Kidney Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 4, 2024;  (Issue 1697)
The FDA is requiring a boxed warning in the label of denosumab (Prolia – Amgen), a monoclonal antibody that inhibits osteoclasts, about an increased risk of severe hypocalcemia in patients with advanced...
The FDA is requiring a boxed warning in the label of denosumab (Prolia – Amgen), a monoclonal antibody that inhibits osteoclasts, about an increased risk of severe hypocalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), particularly those on dialysis. FDA-approved indications for Prolia are listed in Table 1.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Mar 4;66(1697):40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 13, 2020;  (Issue 1602)
US guidelines recommend pharmacologic therapy for postmenopausal women with a bone density T-score (standard deviation from normal mean values in healthy young women) of -2.5 or below in the lumbar spine,...
US guidelines recommend pharmacologic therapy for postmenopausal women with a bone density T-score (standard deviation from normal mean values in healthy young women) of -2.5 or below in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, or distal radius, a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 and a history of fragility (low-trauma) fracture of the hip or spine, or a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 and a FRAX 10-year probability of ≥3% for hip fracture or ≥20% for major osteoporotic fracture (hip, clinical spine, humerus, distal radius).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Jul 13;62(1602):105-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 15, 2018;  (Issue 1538)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of the US population. Heartburn and regurgitation are the classic...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of the US population. Heartburn and regurgitation are the classic symptoms of GERD.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 15;60(1538):9-16 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 18, 2017;  (Issue 1536)
Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD) testing or by the occurrence of a fragility fracture. Bone densitometry results are generally reported in terms of...
Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD) testing or by the occurrence of a fragility fracture. Bone densitometry results are generally reported in terms of standard deviations (SD) from the mean value for young adults (T-score). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines osteoporosis in women as a T-score of -2.5 or below in the spine, femoral neck, or total hip. A computerized model (FRAX) is available that estimates the 10-year probability of a hip fracture or other major osteoporotic fracture based on clinical risk factors and BMD at the femoral neck.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Dec 18;59(1536):203-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypothyroidism

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 26, 2015;  (Issue 1480)
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, or radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment of hypothyroidism with replacement doses of thyroid hormone is...
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, or radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment of hypothyroidism with replacement doses of thyroid hormone is usually lifelong. Levothyroxine is the drug of choice.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Oct 26;57(1480):147-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (Natpara)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2015;  (Issue 1470)
The FDA has approved a subcutaneously injected formulation of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (Natpara – NPS) as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in adults with...
The FDA has approved a subcutaneously injected formulation of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (Natpara – NPS) as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in adults with hypoparathyroidism. Natpara is an 84-amino acid single-chain polypeptide identical to native parathyroid hormone. It is the first parathyroid hormone formulation to be approved for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Jun 8;57(1470):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 29, 2014;  (Issue 1452)
US guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis have been published. The diagnosis of osteoporosis has traditionally been established by the occurrence of fragility fractures or by bone densitometry, which...
US guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis have been published. The diagnosis of osteoporosis has traditionally been established by the occurrence of fragility fractures or by bone densitometry, which is generally reported in terms of standard deviations (SD) from mean values in young adults (T-score). The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined normal bone mineral density (BMD) for women as a value within one SD of the young adult mean. Values 2.5 SD or more below the mean (T-score -2.5 or below) at the spine, femoral neck, or total hip are defined as osteoporosis. The WHO has developed a computerized model (FRAX) that predicts the 10-year probability of a hip fracture or other major osteoporotic fracture based on clinical risk factors and BMD at the femoral neck.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Sep 29;56(1452):91-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Calcium and Vitamin D to Prevent Osteoporotic Fractures

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 25, 2012;  (Issue 1393)
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a Draft Recommendation Statement saying, in effect, that community-dwelling women and men should not take calcium and vitamin D supplements for primary...
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a Draft Recommendation Statement saying, in effect, that community-dwelling women and men should not take calcium and vitamin D supplements for primary prevention of osteoporotic fractures because the evidence that they are helpful is insufficient and they increase the risk of kidney stones. The Medical Letter has said previously that there is no evidence that patients with an adequate intake of calcium (1000-1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600-800 IU/day) will benefit from taking supplements.1

1. Drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2011; 9:67.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Jun 25;54(1393):52 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2011;  (Issue 111)
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass with microarchitectural disruption and skeletal fragility that results in an increased risk of fracture. The diagnosis has traditionally been established by...
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass with microarchitectural disruption and skeletal fragility that results in an increased risk of fracture. The diagnosis has traditionally been established by bone densitometry, which is generally reported in terms of standard deviations (SD) from mean values in young adults (T-score). The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined normal bone mineral density (BMD) for women as a value within one SD of the young adult mean. Values 2.5 SD or more below the mean (T score -2.5) are defined as osteoporosis. The WHO has developed a computerized model (FRAX) that predicts the 10-year probability of a hip fracture or any other major osteoporotic fracture based on clinical risk factors and BMD at the femoral neck.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Nov;9(111):67-74 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Do Calcium Supplements Increase the Risk of Myocardial Infarction?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 17, 2011;  (Issue 1375)
Supplemental calcium is recommended for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women with an inadequate dietary intake of calcium. The safety of calcium supplements has recently been...
Supplemental calcium is recommended for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women with an inadequate dietary intake of calcium. The safety of calcium supplements has recently been questioned; patients may ask if they should continue to take them. The source of this concern was the publication of 2 meta-analyses in the British Medical Journal.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Oct 17;53(1375):83 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 31, 2006;  (Issue 1240)
The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of calcium and vitamin D supplements in more than 36,000 postmenopausal women, conducted as part of the Women’s Health Initiative (RD Jackson et al. N...
The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of calcium and vitamin D supplements in more than 36,000 postmenopausal women, conducted as part of the Women’s Health Initiative (RD Jackson et al. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:669), have been misinterpreted by some patients to mean that they should stop taking such supplements.

At the time of recruitment, the participants in this study had an average daily calcium intake of 1100-1200 mg. They were randomized to take either 1000 mg of calcium carbonate plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo for an average of 7 years. Both groups were permitted to take calcium and vitamin D supplements on their own as well. In the intention-to-treat population, the study supplements increased hip bone density but did not decrease the incidence of hip fractures. The subgroup of women who adhered to the protocol and actually took the study supplements showed a significant reduction in hip fractures compared to the control group.

Men and women over age 50 should have a total calcium intake of about 1200 mg per day (Treat Guidel Med Lett 2005; 3:69). If they need a supplement to achieve that, calcium citrate is more expensive, but it offers some advantages over calcium carbonate: it can be taken without food, causes less GI disturbance and may be less likely to cause kidney stones.

With any calcium salt, vitamin D is necessary for optimal absorption. The recommended minimum daily requirement of vitamin D (vitamin D3 is preferred) is 400 IU for people 50-70 years old and 600 IU for those over 70. But those infrequently exposed to the sun may need 800- 1000 IU of vitamin D daily, and many experts recommend 800 IU or more for all postmenopausal women.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2006 Jul 31;48(1240):61 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Calcium Supplements

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 3, 2000;  (Issue 1075)
Claims for the superiority of various calcium supplements are now appearing on television and in the print media. A high calcium intake combined with vitamin D can increase bone density and reduce the incidence...
Claims for the superiority of various calcium supplements are now appearing on television and in the print media. A high calcium intake combined with vitamin D can increase bone density and reduce the incidence of fractures in older women and probably also in men.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Apr 3;42(1075):29-31 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Calcium Supplements

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 6, 1996;  (Issue 989)
Many different calcium supplements are promoted for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Whether a lifelong increase in calcium intake decreases the risk of osteoporosis is unclear, but the results of...
Many different calcium supplements are promoted for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Whether a lifelong increase in calcium intake decreases the risk of osteoporosis is unclear, but the results of some clinical trials suggest that it might. Calcium supplementation increased bone mineral density in children and adolescents and, started a few years after menopause, decreased bone loss in postmenopausal women (CC Johnston, Jr et al, N Engl J Med, 327:82, 1992; T Lloyd et al, JAMA, 270:841, 1993; IR Reid et al, AM J Med, 98:331, 1995). Elderly women who took calcium and vitamin D supplements had a lower incidence of hip fractures than those who took placebo (MC Chapuy et al. N Engl J Med, 327:1637, 1992)
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Dec 6;38(989):108-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Calcium Supplements

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 17, 1989;  (Issue 805)
Whether a lifelong increase in calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis remains controversial, but many women are now taking calcium supplements on the chance that it might. The typical diet of women in the USA...
Whether a lifelong increase in calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis remains controversial, but many women are now taking calcium supplements on the chance that it might. The typical diet of women in the USA includes less than 600 mg of calcium per day. The National Research Council (NRC) recommends a calcium intake of 1200 mg daily from adolescence through age 24, and 800 mg daily thereafter (Food and Nutrition Board, NRC, Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th ed, Washington, DC:National Academy Press, 1989, p 174). For mature women, some Medical Letter consultants recommend daily calcium intakes of 1000 mg before menopause and 1500 mg afterward. The effectiveness of estrogen replacement at menopause in preventing postmenopausal bone loss is no longer controversial, and the results of one study suggested that calcium supplementation can lower the effective dosage of estrogen (Committee on Diet and Health, NRC, Diet and Health, Washington, DC:National Academy Press, 1989, p 347).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1989 Nov 17;31(805):101-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction