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Most-effective osteoporosis medication not determined

Not enough scientific evidence exists to show that bisphosphonates, the most commonly used osteoporosis medications, are more effective than their alternatives, according to a December 17, 2007, news release from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). An AHRQ report compared the effectiveness and risks of six bisphosphonates (ie, alendronate, etidronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, risedronate, zotedronic acid). It also compared bisphosphonates with alternative osteoporosis treatments (ie, estrogen, calcitonin, calcium, vitamin D, testosterone, parathyroid hormone, selective estrogen receptor modulators).

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Although some of the bisphosphonates were found to prevent spinal fractures and some of the alternatives were found to prevent hip and other nonspinal fractures, direct comparisons have not shown bisphosphonates to be superior to other therapies for the prevention of bone fractures. In addition, the report indicated that many patients with osteoporosis stop taking their medications, including supplements such as calcium, as prescribed because

* they do not experience any osteoporosis symptoms,

* they experience medication-related side effects, or

* the closing is too frequent.

Patients who were non-medication compliant, however, increased their risks for bone fractures.

Many osteoporosis medications prevent fractures, but none is proven best [news release]. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; December 17, 2007.

Health Care Industry

Most-effective osteoporosis medication not determined

AORN Journal, April, 2008

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