Health professionals treating patients with corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis now have reimbursed access to agents containing alendronate, including Fosamax.
The extending of the drug’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing, has made it available to the six per cent of Australian men and women who use corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disease.
A spokesperson for Merck Sharp Dohme, the manufacturer of Fosamax, said prolonged use of corticosteroids was the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis, as rapid bone loss occurs after starting treatment.
“It is estimated that 30 — 50 per cent of long-term corticosteroid-treated patients will experience fractures.
“Oral corticosteroid therapy with doses over 7.5mg per day has been seen to increase the risk of a vertebral fracture by 5.1 times and hip...
This site is intended for Registered Medical Practitioners.
To make the most of Pharmacy News, you need to be logged in.