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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen osteomalacia arises from a dietary or sunlight deficiency, replenishing low levels of vitamin D in your body usually cures the condition.
Generally, people with osteomalacia take vitamin D supplements by mouth for a period of several weeks to several months. Less commonly, vitamin D is given as an injection or through a vein in your arm.
If your blood levels of calcium or phosphorus are low, you may take supplements of those minerals as well. In addition, treating any condition affecting vitamin D metabolism, such as kidney failure or primary biliary cirrhosis, often helps improve the signs and symptoms of osteomalacia.
- Osteomalacia. In: Firestein S, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-3/806510556/1807/697.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10092-0--s0200_3401. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Osteoporosis overview. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Clinical manifestations and etiology of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Metabolic and endocrinologic problems: Osteomalacia. In: Barker LR, et al. Principles of ambulatory medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1444.
- Drezner MK. Osteomalacia and rickets. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-5/806576325/1492/956.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50270-6_12054. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Diagnosis and treatment of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Calcium and vitamin D: Important at every age. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
