2009 Preventing Nonvertebral Osteoporotic Fractures With Extended-Interval Bisphosphonates

Description: Nonvertebral fractures (NVFs) are the most costly and disabling type of osteoporotic fractures. Bisphosphonate therapy effectively reduces the risk for NVFs; however, fracture protection depends critically on adherence and persistence. Approved bisphosphonate regimens with extended dosing intervals increase patient convenience, help patients remain on therapy, and improve fracture protection in clinical practice.
Conclusions: Extended-interval bisphosphonates offer similar or superior NVF protection with less lifestyle disruption compared with daily or weekly treatment. By removing obstacles to adherence and persistence, extended-interval oral and IV bisphosphonate regimens provide valuable therapeutic options to enhance real-world effectiveness and reduce NVF incidence.
Raymond E. Cole, DO, CCD; Steven T. Harris, MD, FACP Medscape J Med. 2009;11(1):12.