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Comprehensive Osteoporosis Care

The UConn Center for Osteoporosis provides state-of-the-art bone mineral density testing and treatment for men and women with risk factors for osteoporosis, a progressive and debilitating yet often silent condition. Our experts use the “gold standard" in evaluation tools like the Dual Energy X-ray Absorption (DXA) to measure bone density accurately and look for deformities of the spine. Individualized treatment plans are devised for each patient to fit their health and wellness needs best. Because we are an academic medical center, our physicians are involved in world-class research on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.


Patient Services

Our providers specialize in:

  • Consultation on maintenance of bone health and fracture prevention in men and women
  • Consultation of disorders of calcium metabolism
  • Bone mineral density testing
  • Up-to-date medical therapies, including injections and infusions for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disorders

“Thanks for a most excellent first visit. Beata McAuliffe, APRN, was extremely personal, and very informative about both my osteoporosis and the medication and treatment that she suggested. She clearly answered the few questions that remained, and helped quiet my fears about taking medication. Thank you for exceeding my expectations!”

– A Grateful Patient

Are You Taking a Bisphosphonate Medication for Osteoporosis?

Senior African American couple

Recently, a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (an area of bone destruction of the upper or lower jaw bone) has been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. Most cases have been in cancer patients after undergoing dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and who had received multiple doses of intravenous bisphosphonates such as Aredia or Zometa. There have been a few cases in patients with osteoporosis treated with the oral medication Fosamax and fewer with Actonel, but these cases are extremely rare.

If you are taking any of these medications and need to have a dental procedure, such as an extraction, talk to your doctor about reducing the dose or stopping the medication at least for a while. Do not just stop taking the medication on your own – please consult your doctor. Your doctor may wish to monitor “markers” of your bone health to help find out whether a lower dose is adequate for you, or to help decide when to restart treatment if it has been stopped.

Also, make sure any doctor, oral surgeon, or dentist who treats you knows that you are on these medicines, and all medications, particularly if you are having dental surgery.

Here's a list of bisphosphonate medications:

  • Alendronate (Fosamax)
  • Risedronate (Actonel)
  • Ibandronate (Boniva)
  • Pamidronate (Aredia)
  • Zoledronate (Reclast)

Specialty Pharmacy

The UConn Health Specialty Pharmacy can fill any specialty medications prescribed to you by your health care team. In addition to having access to these specialized prescriptions, we have a dedicated Specialty Pharmacy liaison who can assist with everything from refills to navigating insurance to finding ways to make your prescriptions more affordable. To learn more, visit the Specialty Pharmacy website.