Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

Bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat osteoporosis, but several non-bisphosphonate osteoporosis medications can help reduce fracture risk. Pharmacists should understand the mechanisms, adverse effects, and clinical pearls associated with these alternatives. On this podcast episode, I will cover four of the most commonly used “non-bisphosphonate” osteoporosis medications.

Denosumab (Prolia) is a RANKL inhibitor that decreases osteoclast activity and bone resorption. It is administered subcutaneously every six months.

Teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) stimulate bone formation through the parathyroid hormone pathway. These medications may be appropriate for patients at very high fracture risk.

Raloxifene (Evista) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that reduces bone resorption. It primarily reduces vertebral fracture risk and may lower the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Important adverse effects include hot flashes and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.

Calcitonin (Miacalcin) inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, its effectiveness for fracture prevention is limited, making it a less-preferred option for long-term osteoporosis treatment.

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Bisphosphonates are commonly used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, making them an important topic for pharmacy, nursing, and medical exams. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, we review high-yield bisphosphonate facts and practical pearls to help you prepare for exams and improve medication management.

Topics covered include:

Key differences between alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid

Mechanism of action and how bisphosphonates reduce bone resorption

Dosing schedules and important administration instructions

Common adverse effects, including gastrointestinal irritation

Osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures

Renal function considerations and important contraindications

Drug interactions and tips to improve medication absorption

Whether you are preparing for a pharmacy board exam, studying pharmacology, or reviewing osteoporosis treatment in clinical practice, this episode highlights the key bisphosphonate concepts worth remembering.

Listen to the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast for practical medication insights that help connect pharmacology knowledge with real-world patient care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

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Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

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In this episode of Real Life Pharmacology, we take a closer look at several NSAIDs that are commonly encountered in clinical practice: nabumetone, diclofenac, meloxicam, piroxicam, etodolac, indomethacin, sulindac, and ketorolac.

These medications may all belong to the same general class, but they have important differences in dosing, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical use. We’ll discuss which NSAIDs tend to be more COX-2 selective, which ones carry significant gastrointestinal or cardiovascular concerns, and why some agents are used much more cautiously than others.

We’ll also cover practical pharmacology pearls for medications such as indomethacin, which is commonly used for acute gout, ketorolac, which is generally reserved for short-term pain management, and diclofenac, which has important cardiovascular considerations.

Whether you’re studying for a pharmacology exam, working with patients, or simply want to strengthen your knowledge of NSAIDs, this episode focuses on the clinically relevant points you need to know about these eight medications.

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Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib are some of the most commonly used NSAIDs, but they are not interchangeable when it comes to safety, indications, and patient-specific risks. In this episode of Real Life Pharmacology, we compare these four medications and highlight the key differences pharmacists and other healthcare professionals need to know.

We’ll review how NSAIDs work, including COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, and discuss their effects on pain, inflammation, platelets, the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and fluid balance. We’ll also compare the GI, cardiovascular, renal, and heart failure risks of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.

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Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

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On this podcast episode, I cover the basics of NSAIDs, including how they work, what they are used for, significant drug interactions, and what adverse effects are important to monitor. I’ll educate about some of the major risks associated with NSAIDs and what I look out for as a practicing pharmacist.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

NAPLEX Study Materials

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Nursing Pharmacology Review Course

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Pharmacy Technician Bootcamp (PTCB Exam Prep Course) – 4.8/5 star course rating