Different orders of taking medications for osteoporosis may protect different parts of the skeleton from fractures. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. eClinicalMedicine.
Researchers examined 19 high-quality studies involving 18,000 patients with an average age of 71.2 years. The results were published between 2003 and 2021.
Antiresorption drugs (lendronate, ibandronate, rosedronate, zoledronic acid) and bone anabolic drugs (teriparatide and abaloparatide) are used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The first slows down bone destruction, while the second promotes its regeneration.
Scientists examined different types of treatments: In one scenario, patients first took antiresorption drugs and then switched to bone anabolic drugs. In some cases, the situation is just the opposite. In the third and fourth cases, they first took a single drug and then switched to combination therapy.
Taking antiresorption medications and then switching to a combination of medications was the most effective method for preventing lumbar spine fractures. In addition, it was determined that switching from one antiresorption drug to another was superior to other methods with a 77.3% probability of strengthening the femoral neck and a 96.1% probability of strengthening the entire hip. However, patients tolerated the transition from bone anabolic drugs to the combination best; this may be important considering the side effects of medications.
The study will help doctors better tailor treatment to patients for osteoporosis, which affects millions of postmenopausal women.
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