- Patients will be allowed to continue on certain medications known to affect bone and mineral metabolism (e.g. glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants) because their use is common in this population. (In our facilities, 2.9% of patients use glucocorticoids and 7.2% use anti-epileptic drugs.) In addition, women who have been treated in the past or present with osteoporosis agents, such as estrogen/progesterone, raloxifene, and calcitonin, will be allowed to participate and continue on these therapies if prescribed by their physician. However, if patients are currently on or have been on bisphosphonates for greater than 1 year in the previous 2 years prior to enrollment, they will be excluded as some bisphosphonates are long acting.