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The following table provides a quick overview of bisphosphonates, a class of drugs primarily used for the treatment of osteoporosis. The table delineates the recommended duration of treatment, associated risks, indications for treatment pauses, and their efficacy in fracture risk reduction. Furthermore, it touches upon specific findings from clinical studies, recommendations for their usage, concerns surrounding their long-term effects ( NICE ) , and guidelines for co-prescribing with Vitamin D. This compilation is intended to serve as a quick reference for healthcare professionals or anyone interested in understanding bisphosphonate therapy in osteoporosis management.
Please refer to our chart on osteoporosis for a quick overview of the topic.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration of Treatment | - 5 years for postmenopausal women & men aged 50+ - At least 10 years for specified groups (age ≥70 years when starting, prior hip/vertebral fracture, oral glucocorticoids ≥7.5 mg/day, etc.) |
| Risks & Symptoms | - Atypical femoral fractures (report thigh/hip/groin pain) - Osteonecrosis of jaw (need dental check-up, report dental issues) - Oesophageal issues (stop taking if symptoms appear) - Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal (report ear pain/discharge/infection) |
| Treatment Pause | 1.5-3 years pause after 5 years' treatment for lower-risk patients. Restart upon new fractures or FRAX reassessment... |
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