What Is The The Total Duration Of Treatment For A Patient On Bisphosphonates For Osteoporosis?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jul 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 Answered on

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : what is the the total duration of treatment for a patient on bisphosphonates for osteoporosis...previous t scores -2.7 on dexa for L3 vertebra and on risedronate for 2 years,fresh dexa report awaited,adequate calcium supplementation alond with vit D being given

Answered by Dr. Aparna Kohli (1 hour later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
At this stage, I think you can continue with the treatment for 1-2 years. After that, if your t score still lies below -2.5, you would benefit greatly from continuing therapy till a total of 3-5 years. However, if your t score ( at the femoral neck) rises and is >-2 , then there is no evidence that you would benefit from continued therapy.
However, this is an area of ongoing research and this may change in the future.
Hope that helps
Let me know if I can address any more concerns.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aparna Kohli (2 hours later)

thanks doctor.
actually the problem is that the femoral neck t scores are ok,its just vertebral osteoporosis (god knows which all bones are involved but dexa checks these two sites only).
is the above advice valid for vertebra also...since you mentioned femoral neck, i thought i shud better clarify.

Answered by Dr. Aparna Kohli (16 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
It has been shown in large scale trials that bisphosphonate therapy is effective in reducing the risk of vertebral and non vertebral fractures when taken for 3-4 years. Since you have been receiving this for 2 years, I think it would be ok if we continue for another 1-2 years. After that, since your femoral neck t score > -2, treatment can be discontinued.
Hope that helps
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar