Medications for Osteoporosis
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: Osteoporosis meds and drug holidays. This is something to talk to your doctor about.
Article Summary -
Fifteen Percent of Osteoporosis Patients Who Take "Drug Holidays" Suffer Bone Fractures.
Article ID: 694065 4-May-2018 10:05 AM EDT
Source Newsroom: Loyola University Health System
“Patients who take osteoporosis drugs for long periods typically are advised to temporarily discontinue the drugs to prevent rare but serious side effects to the jaw and thighs.
A Loyola Medicine study has found that 15.4 percent of patients who take so-called ‘drug holidays’ from osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates experienced bone fractures. During a six- continued . . . year follow-up period, the yearly incidence of fractures ranged from 3.7 percent to 9.9 percent, with the most fractures occurring during the fourth and fifth years.”
“Sixty-two patients (15.4 percent) experienced fractures after going on drug holidays. The most common sites were the wrist, foot, ribs and spine. (Foot fractures are not currently considered osteoporotic fractures.) Those most likely to experience fractures were older and had lower bone mineral density at the beginning of the study. Patients who begin drug holidays at high risk for fracture based on bone mineral density, age or other clinical risk factors warrant close follow-up during the holiday, especially as its duration lengthens. Fracture risk needs to be regularly assessed during the drug holiday and treatment resumed accordingly."