Adherence to osteoporosis treatments: room for improvement.
OBJECTIVE
Osteoporosis is a growing problem worldwide, with the greatest burden resulting from fractures. Currently available are several treatment options that are effective in reducing fracture risk. Patient adherence to these medications is required for benefit to be seen. Yet, similar to other chronic asymptomatic diseases, adherence to osteoporosis therapies is poor. The reasons for suboptimal adherence are multiple but include fear of possible side effects, dosing requirements, and an unwillingness to take a medication for a 'silent' disease. Poor adherence leads to reduced effectiveness, increased morbidity, and increased medical costs.


RESULTS
Efforts to improve adherence to osteoporosis treatments are ongoing. The first obstacle in improving adherence to osteoporosis treatments is determining causes of poor adherence. Despite several identifiable causes, improving adherence is difficult. Passive patient education with printed information alone does not appear very effective. Physician-patient interaction, including discussion of bone mineral density results, discussion of osteoporosis medication benefits, and feedback of treatment effects, may be more effective.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved patient education, better tolerated and less frequently dosed medications, and more healthcare provider-patient interaction may improve adherence and lead to greater fracture reduction.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Amy H
AH
Warriner
Jeffrey R
JR
Curtis
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011584:Psychology; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents