title: Bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis.
abstract: Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis to reduce fracture risk. Because of their long retention time in bone and uncommon side effects, questions have been raised about the optimal duration of therapy. Potential side effects appear to be rare and may not be causally related. Although there is no strong science to guide "drug holidays," there appears to be some lingering antifracture benefit when treatment is stopped, so some time off treatment should be offered to most patients on long-term bisphosphonate therapy. For most patients with osteoporosis, the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, 3125 Eden Avenue, PO Box 670547, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA. dima.diab@uc.edu
authors.forename: Dima L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Diab
authors.forename: Nelson B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Watts
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates