Patient Resources
Patient Support
Living with or caring for a loved one who has osteoporosis can leave you feeling anxious and with many questions. Osteoporosis Canada is here to help you live well with osteoporosis by providing evidence-based information, resources, tools and strategies to help manage the disease and support programs. Register for a free program or join a support group.
https://osteoporosis.ca/get-support
Email Meghan Dunn, Community Engagement Coordinator for BC mdunn@osteoporosis.ca or call 1-800-463-6842 ext. 2510
Patient Information on Denosumab Biosimilar Switch
Biosimilars are biologic medications that are highly similar to existing biologic drugs, with no clinically meaningful differences in safety and effectiveness. In British Columbia, biosimilar versions of denosumab are now available and are typically more cost-effective, helping to reduce healthcare expenses.
Switching to or starting on a biosimilar requires meeting specific criteria, which vary based on your funding source: BC PharmaCare, extended health benefits, or out-of-pocket payment. BC PharmaCare introduced a transition plan for patients currently using denosumab in August 2024. For more information, see the handout on the denosumab switch.
Denosumab Switch
Clinical Calculators
Review if you are getting enough dietary calcium using this calcium calculator (Osteoporosis Canada)
https://osteoporosis.ca/bone-health-osteoporosis/calcium-calculator/#page-1
Cancer and Bone Health
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Advanced Breast Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Advanced Lung Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Early Breast Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Early Lung Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Early Prostate Cancer
Patient Brochure on Bone Health in Multiple Myeloma
Patient Leaflet on Bone Health in Multiple Myeloma
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Exercise References
Recommended by our Geriatric Medicine specialists, the SAIL (Strategies and Actions for Independent Living) Program has exercises for patients with all mobility levels to help maintain muscle strength and improve balance:
SAIL 1: Sitting
SAIL 2: Standing
SAIL 3: Moving
This helpful handout from Osteoporosis Canada incorporates aerobic exercise recommendations and highlights posture awareness.
Too Fit to Fall or Fracture
Or you can find the complete Too Fit to Fracture program workbook here:
https://www.osteoporosis.ca/wp-content/uploads/OC-Too-Fit-To-Fracture-Osteo-Exercise-Book.pdf
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Yoga and osteoporosis - check which poses are safe:
Patient-centred Research Opportunities
