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Prostate Cancer: Osteoporosis After Hormone Therapy
Bone thinning osteoporosis is a side effect of hormone therapy used to treat some prostate cancers.
Some hormonal drugs used to treat prostate cancer increase the risk of osteoporosis. Not all men develop osteoporosis as a result of hormone (also called androgen deprivation) therapy. But bone mineral density screenings may be a good idea after hormonal treatments.
A type of X-ray, bone mineral density screenings are a safe and noninvasive way to diagnose osteoporosis, detect low bone density, monitor the effectiveness of treatments, and predict the risk for future fractures.
What's the Treatment?
Once bone is lost, it cannot be completely replaced. Osteoporosis may not be curable, but some approaches may help to slow osteoporosis. Such approaches include:
- Taking calcium and vitamin D. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,200 mg to 1,500 mg, and of vitamin D, 400 to 800 IU. Some research shows that a higher (greater than 2,000 mg/day) intake of calcium may increase prostate cancer risk. The recommended dose has not been linked to the progression of the disease.
- Exercising. Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, dancing and stair-climbing can help prevent bone loss. Resistance exercises, such as weight lifting, have been shown to strengthen bones.
- Not using tobacco
- Limiting alcohol intake
Men should talk to their healthcare providers about other approaches.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic
Urological Institute.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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