Alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) revisited.
A 10-year study of daily oral alendronate (Fosamax) and a 7-year study of daily oral risedronate (Actonel) indicate that both drugs maintained increases in bone mineral density (BMD) and decreases in markers of bone remodeling throughout the study period. Both drugs are now more commonly taken once weekly. Available data are insufficient to compare fracture rates with alendronate and risedronate, and fracture rates are considered the most important endpoint in osteoporosis studies. Recent reports of severe pain and jaw osteonecrosis with these drugs are disturbing.
D019386:Alendronate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D012968:Etidronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068296:Risedronic Acid
D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012968:Etidronic Acid; D019386:Alendronate