title: Osteoporosis treatment: why ibandronic acid?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this article, we have summarized the specific evidence on ibandronic acid (or ibandronate) efficacy, tolerability, and feasibility acquired from trials and clinical use.
  
  
  METHODS
  This critical review focuses on evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, surrogate markers, bridging trials, long-term extension studies, observational studies, clinical experiences in osteoporosis in addition to postmenopausal treatment adherence in clinical practice, and safety profile of ibandronic acid.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pivotal studies on ibandronic acid efficacy in terms of antifracture effects on nonvertebral fractures had some intrinsic limitations. However, a large body of indirect evidence suggests that ibandronate has significantly sustained vertebral and nonvertebral antifracture efficacies in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, in comparison to those observed with other nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Discrepancies in efficacy between the available bisphosphonate regimens appear to be a function of dose rather than to inherent differences in their respective therapeutic potential. Drugs or treatment regimens that minimize the risk of osteoporotic fractures and make the treatment of osteoporosis more convenient and suitable for patients are preferred: ibandronic acid marketed at oral doses of 150 mg once monthly and 3 mg quarterly as intravenous injection has these characteristics. The safety profile of ibandronic acid treatment appears to be good overall and in some cases better than that of other nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates.
authors: University of Verona, Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Section, Policlinico Borgo Roma, Piazzale Scuro, 10; 37134, Verona, Italy. maurizio.rossini@univr.it
authors: Maurizio
authors: M
authors: Rossini
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Orsolini
authors: Silvano
authors: S
authors: Adami
authors: Vidya
authors: V
authors: Kunnathully
authors: Davide
authors: D
authors: Gatti
mesh_terms: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid