Out of Options for Osteoporosis?

Q. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, with the most severe bone loss in my spine and hips. I have taken Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva. Fosamax didn’t work and Actonel and Boniva caused terrible musculoskeletal pain and a flu-like malaise that lasted a long time. I have discussed this with several rheumatologists but none of them believed that these drugs could cause such side effects.
I cannot take Forteo or Evista so I am pretty much out of treatment options. In fact, my last rheumatologist gave up and said there was nothing he could do for me.
As a result, I am looking for other ways to combat my osteoporosis. What suggestions do you have?
A. One possibility to discuss with your doctor is calcitonin (Fortical, Miacalcin). This prescription drug mimics a natural hormone that helps with bone remodeling and is administered as an injection or in a nasal spray. It can cause side effects such as nausea, flushing or allergic reactions, but it reduces the risk of fracture in the spine.
We are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis with more information on all the medications and non-drug approaches that can help strengthen bones. The side effects you experienced with Actonel and Boniva (muscle and bone pain and flu-like symptoms) have been recognized by the FDA. We’re not sure why your doctors were skeptical.