Publication Date
2013
Publication Details
McClung, M R. (2013). Controversies in osteoporosis management: Concerns about bisphosphonates and when are "drug holidays" required?. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology,56(4), 743-748. United States of America: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e3182a98295
Abstract
Bisphosphonates are effective treatments for osteoporosis. The pharmacology and observance of atypical femoral fractures in patients on long-term therapy raise questions about the need for intermittent discontinuation of treatment, a “drug holiday.” Fracture protection benefits of bisphosphonate therapy far outweigh the risk of atypical fractures for the first 10 years of therapy. However, because the fracture probability of therapy abates slowly after stopping the treatment while the risk of atypical fracture appears to decrease quickly, a “drug holiday” of 1 to 2 years should be considered after 3 to 5 years of bisphosphonate therapy except in those patients who remain at very high fracture risk.
School/Institute
Institute for Health and Ageing
Document Type
Journal Article
Access Rights
ERA Access