title: Duration of anti-resorptive therapy for osteoporosis.
abstract: Osteoporotic fractures are common, and available medications reduce fracture risk by up to half. However, because the most commonly used drugs, bisphosphonates, have side effects that may be related to duration of therapy and because long-term efficacy has not been established, the optimal length of treatment has not been determined. Based on two long-term studies and extensive clinical experience, a plan is provided to treat patients at risk for 5 years with re-assessment every 2 years thereafter. Assessment tools are limited, but for each individual, the potential risks and benefits of continuing, discontinuing, re-instituting, or changing therapy can be estimated.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Section (111P), McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA. Robert.adler@va.gov.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Adler
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates
keywords: Atypical femoral fracture; Bisphosphonates; Fracture; Osteoporosis