NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Findings from a new study suggest that weekly ibandronate therapy is just as safe and effective as daily therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Adherence is currently suboptimal for daily bisphosphonate regimens, lead author Dr. Cyrus Cooper, from Southampton General Hospital in the UK, and colleagues note. Given its comparable safety and efficacy, weekly dosing with ibandronate could potentially improve compliance.
The findings are based on a study of 235 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who were randomized to receive oral ibandronate either daily at a dose of 2.5 mg or weekly at a dose of 20 mg. In addition, all subjects were treated daily with calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU).
The report is published in the October issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
After 48 weeks of treatment, each ibandronate regimen had produced a significant increase in spine bone mineral density of about 3.5%. Furthermore, the regimens showed similar efficacy in decreasing biochemical markers of bone turnover.
Both regimens were well tolerated and the incidence of adverse effects was similar with each. About one third of patients in each group experienced a side effect possibly related to ibandronate. In both groups, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and general body adverse effects were the most common.
“The simplicity and improved patient convenience associated with less frequent bisphosphonate regimens, such as once-weekly schedule, may have a positive impact on therapeutic outcomes as a consequence of improved adherence to therapy,” the researchers point out.
Source: J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:4609-4615. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Attitude: Attitude to Health: Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms: Delivery of Health Care: Health Occupations: Health Services Administration: Patient Acceptance of Health Care: Patient Care Management: Patient Compliance: Health Behavior: Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation: Biological Sciences: Health Care: Psychiatry and PsychologyCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
