Which medication is prescribed to prevent osteoporosis?

• A. Raloxifene
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Alendronate
• D. Denosumab

Answer: (A)

Preventing osteoporosis hinges on slowing bone loss and preserving bone density, especially in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that acts on bone to reduce osteoclast activity and bone turnover, helping to maintain or increase bone mineral density. It lowers the risk of vertebral fractures and is specifically approved for osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women, which is why it is the best choice for prevention among the options.

Calcitonin can be used to treat osteoporosis and may help with pain from fractures, but it’s not a primary preventive agent. Alendronate, a bisphosphonate, works by inhibiting bone resorption and is used for both prevention and treatment, but the question emphasizes prevention in which raloxifene has a clear preventive indication. Denosumab reduces fracture risk and is used for treatment and prevention in high-risk patients, but its typical use is in those who cannot take bisphosphonates or have established osteoporosis.