Horm Metab Res 2013; 45(09): 621-628
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1345207
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

How Long Should Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis be Treated with a Bisphosphonate?

K. Kerschan-Schindl
1   Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
,
J. Haschka
2   Department II Rheumatology/ Osteology & Gastroenterology, St Vincent Hospital, Vienna, Austria
,
B. Obermayer-Pietsch
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and ­Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
,
R. W. Gasser
4   Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, ­Innsbruck, Austria
,
H.-P. Dimai
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and ­Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
,
A. Fahrleitner-Pammer
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and ­Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
,
H. Dobnig
5   Schilddrüsen Endokrinologie Osteoporose Institut Dobnig GmbH, Graz, Austria
,
P. Roschger
6   1st Medical Department, and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
,
E. Preisinger
7   Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria
,
K. Klaushofer
6   1st Medical Department, and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
,
H. Resch
2   Department II Rheumatology/ Osteology & Gastroenterology, St Vincent Hospital, Vienna, Austria
,
P. Pietschmann
8   Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 01 February 2013

accepted 25 April 2013

Publication Date:
11 June 2013 (online)

Abstract

Bisphosphonates are very frequently prescribed to women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis with or without fragility fractures. The present review was aimed to update the available information on the most efficient treatment duration. Studies on bisphosphonate treatment duration were identified by Medline up to January 2013. Bisphosphonates are very effective in the short as well as in the medium-term. However, the optimal duration of use has not been determined yet. Therefore, this review summarizes the long-term effects of bisphosphonates on surrogate parameters of fracture prevention, bone mineral density measurements, and bone turnover markers. An initial treatment period of 3–5 years is recommended. Then, the patient has to be re-evaluated for fracture risk, which depends on fracture status as well as on other health issues. Beyond that, life style factors such as regular physical activity as well as a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D or, if necessary supplementation of calcium and/or vitamin D play an essential part in fracture prevention.

 
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