Risedronate for the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate current scientific literature regarding the efficacy of risedronate in the prevention of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.


METHODS
Primary research articles were identified by MEDLINE search (1966-May 2001) and through secondary sources. Key search terms were risedronate, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and fractures.


RESULTS
Osteoporosis results in a reduction of bone mineral density, increased bone fragility, and increased risk of fractures. The goal of osteoporosis therapy is not only to increase bone mass, but also to reduce the rate of fractures. Risedronate is the newest bisphosphonate to be approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. An evaluation of clinical trials using risedronate in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was performed to determine its efficacy at decreasing fracture rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Risedronate is an effective and safe option for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Risedronate significantly decreases the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in women who have had > or =1 fractures in the past. More studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of risedronate in women without preexisting vertebral fractures.
Sickels
Jennifer M
JM
School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5000, USA. j.sickels@neu.edu
Nip
Chi-Sing
CS
D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D012968:Etidronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012968:Etidronic Acid