Long dosing intervals in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a common disease associated with diminished bone strength and increased risk of fracture. With the aging of the population, the number of people with osteoporosis, particularly postmenopausal women, is expected to increase. There are excellent tools for diagnosing osteoporosis and widely available treatments that are safe and effective. Nevertheless, osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Even among those who are diagnosed and treated, widespread nonadherence with treatment regimens undermines the efficacy of osteoporosis therapy.

PURPOSE

To examine the pharmacological options for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the influence of extended dosing intervals upon outcomes, medication adherence, and patient preference.

METHODS

A Medline and Cochrane Review database search was conducted for appropriate clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published between 1987 and 2007.

FINDINGS

The causes of nonadherence include poor understanding of the consequences of a silent disease, concern regarding potential side-effects of medications, the inconvenience associated with administration of some osteoporosis medications, and medication costs. The recent development of effective oral and injectable osteoporosis medications that can be given with long dosing intervals may improve patient adherence. Less frequent dosing lessens the inconvenience of administration, and dosing by injection assures that the medication is 100% bioavailable. Osteoporosis patients have shown a preference for monthly bisphosphonate dosing compared with weekly dosing.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced adherence with new dosing regimens can be expected to improve treatment efficacy, reduce fracture risk, and lessen the burden of osteoporosis on patients and society. Further study is required to fully elucidate the relationship between extended dosing, adherence, and positive outcomes.