Osteopenia with Lactose Intolerance

As with so many other prescription medications, Boniva, so often prescribed for people who need additional bone density, uses lactose as its primary filler. That can create a problem, as in this questioner to The People's Pharmacy in the Los Angeles Times.

Q. I am 62 years old and just had my second bone-density test. I was told I have osteopenia and should take Boniva.

I have been lactose-intolerant, so I avoid dairy products. I have tried calcium, but it makes me constipated. I took Actonel but developed leg cramps. I took one Boniva tablet the nurse gave me as a sample, but I now have unbearable indigestion. Is there anything natural I can take?

A. Osteopenia is a controversial condition. The concept of pre-osteoporosis was created somewhat arbitrarily in 1992 for research purposes rather than to guide treatment. Extra vitamin D (2,000 to 4,000 IUs daily), exercise and lots of fruits and vegetables can help. There are also other medicines.