Thinning bones and the natural aging process can lead to painful bone fractures. Several drugs have been approved to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures. These work by reducing the loss of bone and increasing the amount of calcium that is deposited in the bones. They include alendronate (Fosamax®) and calcitonin (Miacalcin®), which is a hormone that enhances bone-forming cells and inhibits the bone-destroying cells.