Bisphosphonates: Safety and efficacy in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million Americans. With the advent of acc essible and affordable diagnostic studies, awareness and recognition of thi s disease by patients and clinicians are growing. Osteoporotic fractures of the spine and hip are costly and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade. a surge of new antiosteoporotic drugs hav e been labeled or are awaiting labeling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administr ation. One class of agents used to treat osteoporosis is the bisphosphonate s. which inhibit bone resorption, cause an increase in bone mineral density and reduce the risk of future fractures caused by aging, estrogen deficien cy and corticosteroid use. Overall. bisphosphonates have been shown to have a strong safety and tolerability profile.