title: Annual zoledronic acid for osteoporosis.
abstract: Zoledronic acid (Aclasta - Novartis) is the first bisphosphonate to be licensed in the UK as a once-yearly intravenous treatment for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Promotional materials claim that the drug "provides powerful osteoprotection with yearlong compliance", with "significant 3 year fracture reduction at all key sites". Here we consider whether zoledronic acid has a role in the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D011182:Postoperative Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid