Annual zoledronic acid for osteoporosis

Drug Ther Bull. 2008 Dec;46(12):93-6.

Abstract

Zoledronic acid (Aclasta - Novartis) is the first bisphosphonate to be licensed in the UK as a once-yearly intravenous treatment for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Promotional materials claim that the drug "provides powerful osteoprotection with yearlong compliance", with "significant 3 year fracture reduction at all key sites". Here we consider whether zoledronic acid has a role in the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / economics
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage*
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects
  • Diphosphonates / economics
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Costs
  • Female
  • Hip Fractures / rehabilitation
  • Hip Fractures / surgery
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / administration & dosage*
  • Imidazoles / adverse effects
  • Imidazoles / economics
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / economics
  • Postoperative Care
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Zoledronic Acid