Etidronate for postmenopausal osteoporosis
Article Abstract:
Etidronate disodium (Didronel) is an oral biphosphonate drug that has been used for many years in treating Paget's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of bones. At lower doses, it has recently been shown to be effective in treating osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of bone formation is less than the rate of bone resorption. Previous treatments for osteoporosis have included calcium supplements, estrogen replacement, calcitonin, and sodium fluoride. Several are somewhat effective, but disadvantages accompany many of the beneficial effects. Biphosphonates such as etidronate can diminish bone resorption by absorbing calcium crystals within bone, and at the low doses used for treating osteoporosis, further effects on bone metabolism do not occur. Approximately 4 percent of an etidronate dose is absorbed in the intestine, but this decreases in the presence of high-calcium foods such as dairy products. Half of the absorbed drug acts on bone, while the other half is excreted in urine within 24 hours. Several studies have found that when etidronate is given to osteoporotic women at a dosage of 4 milligrams (mg)/kilogram body weight/day, or 400 mg daily for two weeks, followed by two to three months without drug, bone mass increases and the incidence of fracture decreases; women took calcium supplements throughout two of the trials. At the dose mentioned, no adverse effects have been found. The cost to pharmacists for 60 400-mg tablets is $145.67. Although not specifically approved for this use by the US Food and Drug Administration, etidronate is apparently safe and effective in treating osteoporosis. Further research is needed to compare its effectiveness with that of other treatments for osteoporosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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New drugs for osteoporosis
Article Abstract:
Three new drugs may be effective in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, a bone brittleness due to reduced bone mass. Alendronate (Fosamax) probably encourages bone formation, as seen in postmenopausal women who took 10 milligrams of alendronate for three years. Compared to decreases in bone mineral density among women in the control group, bone mineral density increased by at least 6% in the women who took alendronate. No serious side effects have been reported. Salmon calcitonin nasal spray (Miacalcin) interferes with osteoclasts, which are destructive bone cells. Since calcitonin injections are an established osteoporosis treatment, only the administration of this medication is new. While calcitonin appears to be quite safe, it increases bone density only slightly. Slow-release sodium fluoride, recommended for FDA approval, increases bone formation and seems to be very effective in severely osteoporotic women. Drug safety is not yet established.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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Drugs for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Article Abstract:
Alendronate, risedronate, and raloxifene can reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. More research is needed to determine whether estrogen and calcium supplements are effective.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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