Author: Rizzoli, René

Source: Women's Health, Volume 2, Number 2, March 2006 , pp. 309-315(7)

Publisher: Future Medicine

Abstract:

The rate of bone turnover increases around the time of menopause, and new bone may be remodeled before it is has been completely mineralized. If this is left untreated, osteoporosis often develops, leading to fractures, particularly of the spine and hip, which represent an enormous burden in terms of suffering, healthcare expenditure, disabilities and death. Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption, which slow or arrest progressive bone loss. Continuous treatment with bisphosphonates reduces bone turnover, improves bone microarchitecture and increases bone mass, leading to greater mechanical strength and reduced fracture risk. Since osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive condition, treatment has to continue for many years. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates, particularly alendronate and risedronate, have been evaluated in many thousands of patients for up to 10 years of continuous use. These drugs remain the cornerstone of osteoporosis treatment and appear to have favorable safety and efficacy profiles throughout long-term usage.

Keywords: alendronate; bisphosphonates; fracture; osteoporosis; postmenopausal

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/17455057.2.2.309

Affiliations: 1: Service of Bone Diseases, WHO Collaborating Center for Osteoporosis Prevention, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University Hospital, Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland., Email: rene.rizzoli@medecine.unige.ch

Publication date: 2006-03-01

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• Women's Healthprovides a forum for specialists addressing those conditions that are unique to women or far more prevalent in women than in men. The journal focuses on current and emerging topics relating to the safe and effective management of therapy in women, taking into account issues such as key areas such as women's physiology and life-cycle hormonal changes, with all articles subject to rigorous peer review.
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