Duration of treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis: how long to treat and what are the consequences of cessation of treatment?
Although a variety of medications are effective for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, there is concern that long-term use may incur side effects. Consequently, some have proposed discontinuing or temporarily suspending treatment after a defined period of time. As the benefits of fracture risk reduction may recede during this "drug holiday", the clinician may be faced with deciding when to resume therapy (and with which agent) while avoiding the possible cumulative risk of side effects. This article summarizes data regarding length of treatment and the effects of cessation of treatment on bone density, bone turnover markers, and fracture risk.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas, 1918 Randolph Road, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA.
Andrew J
AJ
Laster
S Bobo
SB
Tanner
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents