Game-changing osteoporosis drug now affordable for thousands, after government adds meds to PBS

It is the painful condition that affects almost 70 per cent of Australians aged over 50 but until now, only those who had suffered significant injuries could access ground-breaking treatment. Now thousands of Australians living with osteoporosis could start taking treatment after a life-changing drug was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease which manifests when our bones shed minerals, notably calcium, at a faster rate than the body can replenish, resulting in a decline in bone density.  Unfortunately it often lurks silently as many remain unaware of its presence until someone breaks or fractures a bone.

Previously the treatment was only available through the PBS for patients who had suffered from two dangerous and painful fractures, while even those who had suffered one dangerous fracture having to pay almost $5000 to access the drug.

The drug Evenity works by building new bone and slowing down the deterioration of bone density in patients, unlike other osteoporosis drugs, which either build new bone or slows down bone deterioration.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said adding Evenity to the PBS will provide doctors with more options to care for their patients and ensure Australians can access the latest treatment.

“Making medicines cheaper for Australians is a key part of the government’s wider commitment to strengthening Medicare,” he said.

The health minister added that listing this medicine on the PBS,  “will benefit Australians now and into the future.”

It is good news for the estimated 1.2 million Australians who live with the disease but there are some simple changes you can make to help prevent the condition from affecting your life.

Osteoporosis Australia emphasises that adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity are pivotal measures in preventing this debilitating condition.

Key nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, naturally abundant in dairy products and eggs, play a fundamental role in preserving bone strength. Additionally, vitamin K2, found in meat, eggs, and dairy products, particularly in fermented items like cheese and yoghurt, has proven to decelerate bone weakening post-menopause and enhance the efficacy of osteoporosis medications.

In addition to diet, Nutrition and Exercise Scientist Kathleen Alleaume extols the value of exercise in helping prevent the onset of osteoporosis. She shared invaluable exercises designed to proactively ward off this disease, underscoring the significance of a holistic approach to bone health.

Alleaume’s top five exercises for over-60s to improve bone health include:

1. Weight bearing exercises

As the name suggests, weight bearing exercises are a group of activities that are performed while on your feet, meaning you bear your own body weight. Because of the weight-bearing force involved with these actions, it is arguably the best form of exercise for helping to preserve bone density and build bone strength. Jogging on the spot and aerobic dance are all great examples of weight bearing exercises.

2. Body weight training

Technically referred to as calisthenics, body weight exercises are a simple, cheap, and effective way to increase body strength and improve balance and flexibility. They don’t require machinery or extra equipment and involve movements such as pulling or pushing yourself up using only body weight for resistance. Examples include push-ups, chair dips, lunges, wall sits, or stair climbing.

3. Resistance training

Another term for exercises using an external force to stimulate muscle contraction, leading to increases in muscle size, strength, endurance, and tone. Resistance training is generally conducted through the use of equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands, which can be easily purchased from your local sporting goods store. These exercises are great at increasing bone mineral density, which is essential in preventing the decline in bone mass and ageing-associated diseases such as osteopenia (lower bone density) and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Other benefits include reduced risk of falls (via improved balance and flexibility) and preventing further muscle mass loss.

4. Isometric exercises

Isometric exercises help strengthen and tone muscles without joint or muscle movement and can be performed with or without added resistance. Some ideal exercises include planks, wall sits, glute bridges, or warrior poses. One of the great things about isometric training is that it takes minimal time and requires no equipment at all!

5. Pilates/yoga

Many people turn to yoga or pilates as a way to exercise gently, reduce tension, and improve joint flexibility and balance. It can also help to improve muscle strength as some poses are held for a longer amount of time (similar to isometric training). The Navasana, Uttplutih, and Bakasana poses are perfect for maximising strength and flexibility.

Incorporating a balanced diet, key nutrients, and targeted exercises such as weight bearing, resistance training, and yoga can help significantly bolster bone health, ensuring vitality and resilience as we age.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.