Actonel Compared to Fosamax in Preventing Bone Loss of Osteoporosis
Many women who are postmenopausal must deal with the silent condition of osteoporosis, or bone density loss. Unless she has had bone density scans, a woman may not realize she is at risk until she suffers a hip or wrist fracture after falling.
Physicians have varying opinions as to when to begin treatment with a bisphosphonate such as Actonel or Fosamax. Some prescribe one of these drugs when the first signs of bone loss become evident for a condition called ostopenia. When bone density has been reduced to a certain level, the diagnosis is osteoporosis. At that point, drug therapy is definitely needed on a long-term basis to strengthen bones and help prevent fractures.
All were 65 or older and were starting their drug regimen for the first time.
After treatment for a year, the group taking Actonel had 43% fewer hip fractures and 18% fewer non-spine fractures than women taking Fosamax. Even at six months, significantly lower rates of fracture were found in the women given Actonel.
Researchers concluded that Actonel works faster, although Fosamax may give equal benefits over the long term. This study was not a true clinical trial and therefore does not provide conclusive proof. Actonel was rated number one, with Fosamax a near second. The once-a-month pill Boniva was a distant third, as it has not been shown to reduce hip fracture.
Some women tolerate one drug better than the other. For this reason, those with distressing symptoms on Actonel might be placed on Fosamax as a comparison. Sometimes insurance will cover one and not the other, which is another consideration.
These drugs should not be discontinued simply because they do not cause a woman to feel better. Most persons with bone density problems will need to take them well into old age for maximum protection. Men can develop osteoporosis, too, but it is far less common. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D are important, but if these measures do not prevent bone thinning, treatment with a bisphosphonate is needed.
For many women, scrupulous long-term use of the medication results in building more bone mass, not just preventing more thinning. Regular walking for exercise can help to maintain bone density or slow the demineralization process. A hip fracture can be a life-threatening event if the hip doesn’t heal properly and the individual cannot resume the ability to walk or get out of bed.
Physicians have varying opinions as to when to begin treatment with a bisphosphonate such as Actonel or Fosamax. Some prescribe one of these drugs when the first signs of bone loss become evident for a condition called ostopenia. When bone density has been reduced to a certain level, the diagnosis is osteoporosis. At that point, drug therapy is definitely needed on a long-term basis to strengthen bones and help prevent fractures.
All were 65 or older and were starting their drug regimen for the first time.
After treatment for a year, the group taking Actonel had 43% fewer hip fractures and 18% fewer non-spine fractures than women taking Fosamax. Even at six months, significantly lower rates of fracture were found in the women given Actonel.
Researchers concluded that Actonel works faster, although Fosamax may give equal benefits over the long term. This study was not a true clinical trial and therefore does not provide conclusive proof. Actonel was rated number one, with Fosamax a near second. The once-a-month pill Boniva was a distant third, as it has not been shown to reduce hip fracture.
Some women tolerate one drug better than the other. For this reason, those with distressing symptoms on Actonel might be placed on Fosamax as a comparison. Sometimes insurance will cover one and not the other, which is another consideration.
These drugs should not be discontinued simply because they do not cause a woman to feel better. Most persons with bone density problems will need to take them well into old age for maximum protection. Men can develop osteoporosis, too, but it is far less common. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D are important, but if these measures do not prevent bone thinning, treatment with a bisphosphonate is needed.
For many women, scrupulous long-term use of the medication results in building more bone mass, not just preventing more thinning. Regular walking for exercise can help to maintain bone density or slow the demineralization process. A hip fracture can be a life-threatening event if the hip doesn’t heal properly and the individual cannot resume the ability to walk or get out of bed.
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