Korean J Med.  2014 Aug;87(2):151-155. 10.3904/kjm.2014.87.2.151.

Duration of Bisphosphonate Treatment

• Kim KM
• Rhee Y

• KMID: 1710023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2014.87.2.151

Abstract

Large, randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of bisphosphonates (BP) in terms of improving bone mineral density (BMD) and reducing fracture risk. Consequently, bisphosphonates are used widely in the treatment of osteoporosis. Recently, however, several safety issues regarding the long-term use of BP, especially BP-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and atypical fractures, have been noted and have emerged as a limitation of their clinical use. Although the absolute risk is very small, the risks could increase with the long-term use of BP. The anti-fracture efficacy of BP is not sustained after treatment for 5-10 years. Therefore, recommendations suggest that a drug holiday be considered after 5 years of treatment for patients at low risk of fracture. However, as the individual fracture risk varies, the treatment duration should be based on individual clinical risk factors and bone metabolism status. Moreover, recommendations regarding monitoring after discontinuing and reinitiating BP await further studies.

Keyword

Bisphosphonates; Osteoporosis; Safety; Drug holiday

MeSH Terms

Bone Density
Diphosphonates
Holidays
Humans
Jaw
Metabolism
Osteonecrosis
Osteoporosis
Risk Factors
Diphosphonates