Quarterly intravenous ibandronate for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is under-recognized and undertreated among postmenopausal women. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates are its first-line pharmacotherapy. Oral bisphosphonate treatment requires stringent dosing guidelines to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and enhance absorption. This paper reviews the efficacy, safety and tolerability of quarterly intravenous ibandronate 3 mg injection, approved in 2006 in the USA and Europe. Quarterly intravenous ibandronate injection has shown superior efficacy to daily oral ibandronate for bone mineral density increase and fracture prevention. No drug-related serious atrial fibrillation events have been reported with intravenous ibandronate. The regimen has a favorable renal safety profile. Quarterly intravenous ibandronate is administered as a simple 15-30-s intravenous injection in a physician's office and provides a beneficial option for patients who are unable to tolerate oral administration.
Emkey
Ronald D
RD
Emkey Osteoporosis & Arthritis Clinic, 1235 Penn Avenue, Suite 200, Wyomissing, PA 19610, USA. bonedocron@yahoo.com
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid