What are the treatment options for osteoporosis and are they Medisave claimable?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Soon Wee Quah
Dr Soon Wee Quah

General Practitioner

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease under the CDMP ( Chronic Disease Management Programme) and is thus Medisave claimable.

The total amount of Medisave that can be used for outpatient purposes including chronic disease management is $500. For persons above 60, you can also use the Flexi-Medisave $200, so that makes it a total of $700 for outpatient usage.

You need to make a co-payment of 15% for this. You can also use your Merdeka or PG card for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The diagnosis of osteoporosis must be supported by a BMD report confirming osteoporosis, or if you have had any osteoporotic fractures.

Treatment

The most common treatment option is a class of medications called bisphosphonates. These are usually prescribed as oral tablets. Common ones prescribed are alendronic acid (Fosamax is the original brand name) and risedronic acid (brand name Actonel). They work by reducing bone breakdown
by the body.

The other common treatment is denosumab (Prolia) injection. This injection is given once every 6 months. It also works by reducing bone breakdown.

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