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The threshold for initiating osteoporosis treatment differs between drugs and is given as a combination of T-score, age, number of independent clinical risk factors and in some cases, number of indicators of low bone mineral density (BMD).
For further information please see section 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
Risk factors for osteoporosis alone do not predict well who will benefit from drug treatment but can be an indicator for a bone mineral density (BMD) scan.
Consider trial of risedronate if patient is unable to tolerate alendronic acid. Due to the shorter half-life of risedronate it may be more suitable for younger patients or whose renal function is compromised.
See section 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
Postmenopausal women younger than 65 years
65-69 years
70-74 years
75 or older
The FRAX tool has been developed by WHO to evaluate fracture risk of patients. It is based on individual patient models that integrate the risks associated with clinical risk factors as well as bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck.
Notes
Consider Prolia (denosumab) or zoledronic acid for primary prevention in patients intolerant of oral bisphosphonates. (NICE TA 204, NICE CG146 or www.sheffield.ac.uk/NOGG/)
Denosumab initiation and prescription in accordance with NICE TA204 in postmenopausal women.
Patients should be Calcium and Vitamin D replete prior to initiation of osteoporotic treatments.
MHRA Drug Safety Update July 2015
Before prescribing denosumab or intravenous bisphosphonates:
Notes
Notes
Supplements should be given to all patients at risk of osteoporosis unless diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D. Patients have received supplementation with calcium and vitamin D in all clinical trials of therapies showing a fracture reduction.
Attention should be made to the fact that routine Vitamin D testing may be unnecessary for patients with osteoporosis or fragility fracture who are co-prescribed vitamin D with an oral bisphosphonate.
See also: MHRA Drug Safety Update - Calcium and vitamin D (October 2011)
See section 9.6 Vitamins
If patient is unable to tolerate alendronic Acid due to gastrointestinal side effects then according to NICE TA204 a trial of risedronate is recommended. Due to the shorter half-life of risedronate it may be more suitable for younger patients or whose renal function is compromised, see section 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism for further information.
See section 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
Treatment is recommended for all individuals with a T-score less than or equal -2.5 SD regardless of risk factor status. For those aged 75 years or older, a DXA scan may not be needed if clinically inappropriate or unfeasible.
Notes
Patients intolerant to oral bisphosphonates for secondary prevention or who have further fractures whilst on oral bisphosphonates should be switched to parenteral therapy (Prolia [denosumab] or zoledronic acid). NICE TA204
Denosumab initiation and prescription in accordance with NICE TA204 in postmenopausal women with eGFR greater than 30mL/min.
Patients should be Calcium and Vitamin D replete prior to initiation of osteoporotic treatments.
MHRA Drug Safety Update July 2015
Before prescribing denosumab or intravenous bisphosphonates:
Notes
Notes
Supplements should be given to all patients at risk of osteoporosis unless diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D. Patients have received supplementation with calcium and vitamin D in all clinical trials of therapies showing a fracture reduction.
See also: MHRA Drug Safety Update - Calcium and vitamin D (October 2011)
See section 9.6 Vitamins
Guidance has also been issued by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), Clinical guideline for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Fracture probability of glucocorticoids is dose dependent. When the FRAX UK model glucocorticoid box is filled, 2 points now appear on the NOGG graphs, one for medium dose and one for high dose
In patients who have been taking corticosteroids (at any dose) for 3 months or more, or who are likely to do so:
Bisphosphonates should be used with great caution in premenopausal women since they cross the placenta and teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animals.
The daily formulations of alendronic acid 10mg and risedronate 5mg are licensed for use in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, although in clinical practice the weekly tablets may be used (unlicensed indication).
Current advice regarding long-term bisphosphonate treatment is limited to expert opinion.
Please refer to National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), Clinical guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for an algorithm in regard to duration of treatment.
Review treatment after 5 years of alendronate or risedronate therapy, or after 3 years of zoledronic acid.
Withdrawal of treatment is associated with decreases in BMD. Continuation of treatment without the need for further assessment is recommended for:
After re-assessment at 3-5 years individuals with a T-score of less than or equal to -2.5 should not be considered for a drug holiday.
Consider a "treatment holiday" in appropriate patients as follows:
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation should continue throughout.
If treatment is discontinued, fracture risk should be reassessed after a new fracture regardless of when this occurs, using FRAX. and consider rescanning.
Atypical femoral fractures have been reported rarely in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy or denosumab.
Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture should be considered while they are evaluated, and should be based on an assessment of the benefits and risks of treatment. The need to continue bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis should be re-evaluated periodically based on the benefits and potential risks of bisphosphonate therapy for individual patients, particularly after 5 or more years of use.
Discontinuation of denosumab therapy should be considered if an atypical femur fracture is suspected, while the patient is evaluated.
See
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) maintains Bone Mineral Density (BMD) for as long as it is taken.
Should not be used for osteoporosis protection only unless all other therapies are contra-indicated or not tolerated - see 6.4 Sex hormones for further guidance.