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Volume 41, Issue 3, March 2012

Osteoporosis Pharmacological prevention and management in older people

Oliver Frank Sue Edwards Lesh Karan Natalie Blacker Alan Husband Christopher P Alderman Debra Rowett J Simon Bell
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Background
Osteoporosis remains undertreated in Australian primary care, with as few as 30% of postmenopausal women with a fracture and 10% of men with osteoporosis receiving pharmacological treatment.
Objective
This article presents an overview of the pharmacological management of osteoporosis in older people in the general practice setting.
Discussion
Lifestyle factors and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Pharmacological treatments are recommended for patients with a minimal trauma fracture, for those aged 70 years or over with a T-score of –3.0 or lower, or for those who are currently taking prolonged high dose corticosteroids and who have a T-score of –1.5 or lower. Bisphosphonates are recommended as first line therapy for established postmenopausal osteoporosis. Medicine selection is guided by patient gender, menopausal status, medical and fracture history, patient preference and eligibility for government subsidy.

The lifetime risk of osteoporotic fracture in people aged over 60 years is approximately 56% for women and 29% for men.3 Following a low trauma fracture the risk of subsequent fractures is increased for up to 10 years.4 Mortality increases in the first year after all major fractures (including vertebral fractures), but vertebral fractures go largely undetected. All low trauma fractures were associated with increased mortality for 5–10 years in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.5

While there is no known cure for OP, fracture rates attributable to OP can be reduced through identifying risk factors and by appropriate management.6 However, OP remains undertreated in Australian primary care. Fewer than 30% of Australian women with a fracture after menopause,7 and only 10% of Australian men with OP receive pharmacological treatments.2

Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake

Evidence supports the use of calcium and vitamin D for the prevention of OP in people aged 50 years and over.8 Recent advice from the Institute of Medicine in the United States of America suggests that women aged over 50 years and men aged over 70 years should maintain a daily calcium intake of 1200 mg9 (Australian guidelines recommend 1200–1300 mg/day).3,10 To optimise efficacy, it is recommended that calcium supplements be taken together with at least 800 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) per day.3,8 Recent meta-analyses suggesting an increased risk of cardiovascular events with the use of calcium supplements continue to be the subject of international debate,11–13 and the findings are not universally accepted. The role of vitamin D in OP prevention and management is addressed in the article by Winzenberg et al in this issue of Australian Family Physician.

When to prescribe pharmacological treatments

It is recommended that clinicians consider adjunct pharmacological treatment in the following patients:3

  • those with a minimal trauma fracture
  • those aged 70 years or over with a T-score of –3.0 or lower
  • those currently on prolonged (at least 3 months) high dose corticosteroid treatment (at least 7.5 mg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and with a T-score of –1.5 or lower.

Clinicians are also advised to screen for secondary causes of OP. Z-scores (number of standard deviations away from the age and sex-matched mean bone mineral density [BMD]) are often used to assess additional reasons for bone loss.14,15 A Z-score of less than –2.0 should prompt investigation of possible underlying causes of low BMD, although a Z-score greater than –2.0 does not necessarily exclude secondary causes of OP.15

Pharmacological treatments

Choice of pharmacological treatment is influenced by patient gender, menopausal status, medical history, whether it is for primary or secondary fracture prevention, patient preference and eligibility for government subsidy. Calcium and vitamin D are usually provided to all participants in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for OP. The combined use of calcium and vitamin D is recommended with all anti-osteoporosis treatments if intake is inadequate. Epidemiological and small scale clinical studies suggest vitamin K plays an important role in bone health.16,17 However, on the basis of the current evidence, vitamin K is not routinely recommended for OP treatment or prevention. While hormone therapy (HT) may have a role in the management of postmenopausal OP in women under the age of 60 years, it is not routinely recommended as an OP treatment for older women, or for those whose last spontaneous menstrual period occurred more than 5 years ago, due to the possible adverse effects.3,10

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates slow bone loss, improve BMD and reduce fracture rates.19–21 Alendronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid are PBS listed and recommended as first line therapy in men and women for primary and secondary prevention of vertebral, nonvertebral and hip fractures (Table 1).3 Etidronate is PBS listed for the secondary prevention of osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid is an intravenous infusion that is administered once per year for osteoporosis treatment and prevention.

Table 1. Bisphosphonates for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis3,10,27
Medicine Examples of brands Dose*^ Considerations for bisphosphonates^
Alendronate Fosamax®
Various generic
brands
70 mg tablet weekly (10 mg daily tablet also available, but this is not PBS listed) Contraindications:
  • hypocalcaemia
  • uveitis
  • for tablets (other than Actonel® EC), inability to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes, or any disorders which delay oesophageal emptying
Not recommended in moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <35 mL/min)
Tablets taken in morning on empty stomach with a full glass of water; patient should remain upright for 30 minutes and not eat or drink anything else in that time. (Note: Actonel® EC can be taken with or without food)
Calcium supplements should be taken 2 hours apart from oral bisphosphonates
Vitamin D should be corrected to a level above 50 nmol/L before commencing therapy
ONJ reported rarely. Good dental hygiene and care is essential. Consider dental assessment and complete any dental procedures before starting treatment to minimise risk of ONJ. Cease treatment if arises
Zoledronic acid is an IV infusion over 15 minutes. Headache, myalgia and fever, may be experienced soon after IV infusion
Alendronate plus vitamin D3 Fosamax Plus™
Dronalen™ Plus
70 mg/70 µg or 140 μg tablet weekly
Alendronate plus vitamin D3 with calcium carbonate Fosamax Plus
D-Cal™
Dronalen Plus
D-Cal™
70 mg/140 μg tablet weekly; 1.25 g calcium tablets daily
Risedronate Actonel®
Various generic brands (35 mg tablets only)
5 mg tablets daily, 35 mg tablets weekly or 150 mg tablet monthly
Actonel® EC (enteric coated)** 35 mg tablets weekly
Risedronate with calcium carbonate Actonel® Combi
Actonel® EC Combi (enteric coated)**
35 mg tablet weekly; 1.25 g calcium tablets daily on other 6 days of the week
Risedronate with calcium carbonate/
vitamin D
Actonel® Combi D
Actonel® EC Combi D (enteric coated)**
35 mg tablet weekly; 2.5 g calcium/22 μg vitamin D effervescent granules daily on other 6 days of the week
Zoledronic acid Aclasta® 5 mg in 100 mL IV solution yearly
Etidronate with calcium carbonate Didrocal® 2 x 200 mg tablets nightly for 14 days then 1.25 g calcium tablets daily for 76 days
Note: 1 μg vitamin D = 40 international units (IU); ONJ = osteonecrosis of the jaw
* Doses are for brands listed in the table; ^ Refer to full product information for details; ** Replacing conventional Actonel® 35 mg tablets in January 2012
Reproduced from Veterans’ MATES Therapeutic brief 28. Available at www.veteransmates.net.au

Gastrointestinal adverse effects are the most common and upper gastrointestinal disorders or oesophageal abnormalities are considered a contraindication to oral bisphosphonate use.3,10 Atypical femoral stress fractures with long term bisphosphonate use have been reported, but the increased risk is approximately five fractures per 10 000 patient years.22

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has also been reported with bisphosphonate treatment, although the risk is low (approximately one per 10 000 to one per 250 000 patients receiving oral bisphosphonates) and more than 95% of cases occur in people receiving treatment for cancer rather than for OP.23,24 Good dental hygiene and care is recommended, especially for people receiving long term bisphosphonate treatment, to reduce the risk of ONJ.3

Combination approaches involving co-administration of bisphosphonates with other antiresorptive medicines (eg. strontium) or anabolic medicines (eg. teriparatide) are not recommended. Combination treatment with antiresorptive medicines and teriparatide does not appear to provide any advantages over monotherapy.25

Evidence in relation to the optimum duration of bisphosphonate treatment is lacking.26,27 One RCT reported that women who discontinued alendronate after 5 years did not have higher fracture rates (except clinically recognised vertebral fractures) than those who took alendronate for 10 years.28 Australian guidelines recommend re-evaluating the need for bisphosphonate therapy after 5–10 years in postmenopausal women and older men who respond well to treatment, as determined by BMD testing and fracture risk assessment (ie. T-score above –2.5 and no recent fractures).3 A recent US Food and Drug Administration report suggested that due to the lack of evidence for further increases in fracture benefit after 3–5 years of treatment, bisphosphonates could be safely discontinued for a period of time.26 The decision to discontinue bisphosphonate treatment should be based on individual patient risk. If treatment has been discontinued, BMD should be measured 1 year later and the risk of falling should be reassessed. Bisphosphonates may be restarted if BMD has decreased significantly (lumbar spine decrease of 5% or more) or with any additional fracture. Bone turnover markers (eg. CrossLaps®) measure current rate of bone loss and are a useful adjunct to BMD in monitoring the effect of treatment for osteoporosis.

Denosumab

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), resulting in decreased bone resorption and increased bone density (Table 2).29 In a RCT of women with OP aged 60–90 years, denosumab administered subcutaneously every 6 months for 36 months was associated with a reduced risk of vertebral, nonvertebral and hip fractures compared to placebo.30 Denosumab is only listed on the PBS for postmenopausal women who meet the criteria for primary or secondary prevention. As with bisphosphonates, treatment with denosumab results in significant suppression of bone remodelling.31 The PBS listing does not place any restriction on the duration of therapy. At present, published evidence is available to support the use of denosumab for 3 years.30

Table 2. Other medicines for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis3,10,27,29,33,37
Medicine Examples of brands Dose*^ Practice points^ Safety considerations^
Denosumab Prolia® 60 mg in 1 mL subcutaneous injection, 6 monthly Consider dental assessment and complete any dental procedures before starting treatment to minimise risk of ONJ No dose adjustment is necessary in renal impairment
Contraindicated in hypocalcaemia. Correct hypocalcaemia before initiating
Long term safety and efficacy data are lacking; there are particular concerns regarding effects:
  • on the immune system (eg. increased risk of infection)
  • on bone, including after treatment has stopped
  • of taking denosumab after bisphosphonate use
Raloxifene Evista® 60 mg tablet daily Fasting is not required Contraindicated in patients with a history of VTE
VTE rarely reported. Cease in patients who require immobilisation for long periods (eg. hospitalisation)
Strontium ranelate Protos® 2 g sachet nightly Taken at bedtime, mixed with >30 mL of water at least 2 hours after food, calcium containing products or antacids Contraindicated in severe renal impairment
VTE reported rarely – use with caution in patients with or at risk of thromboembolic disorders
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (eg. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS) reported rarely. DRESS is a life threatening allergic reaction; strontium should be ceased
Teriparatide Forteo® 20 μg subcutaneous injection daily in the thigh or abdomen (multi-dose prefilled pen) Initiated by a specialist Restricted to 18 month lifetime exposure (caused osteosarcoma in animal studies); informed consent required
Note: 1 μg vitamin D = 40 international units; VTE = venous thromboembolism; DRESS = drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
* Doses are for brands listed in the table; ^ Refer to full product information for details
Reproduced from Veterans’ MATES Therapeutic brief 28. Available at www.veteransmates.net.au

Raloxifene

Raloxifene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to prevent postmenopausal bone loss (Table 2). It has beneficial oestrogen-like effects on bone, but also has anti-oestrogen effects on the breast and endometrium. A RCT has demonstrated that raloxifene increases BMD in the spine and femoral neck and reduces vertebral fractures.32 However, there is minimal evidence to suggest raloxifene may prevent nonvertebral fractures. There are concerns that raloxifene may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).10 Raloxifene is PBS listed for postmenopausal women with a minimal trauma fracture (secondary prevention). Raloxifene may be used as a second line treatment for postmenopausal OP in women considered at risk of breast cancer.10

Strontium ranelate

Strontium ranelate is an antiresorptive medicine that increases BMD (Table 2).33 A Cochrane systematic review of three RCTs reported a 37% reduction in vertebral fractures and a 14% reduction in nonvertebral fractures over 3 years with 2 g/day of strontium ranelate when used for OP treatment.34 Use of strontium ranelate increased BMD at all sites after 5 years when used for both treatment and prevention.35 It is PBS listed for primary and secondary prevention of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. It is usually taken at bedtime at least 2 hours after eating. The granules should be mixed in a glass of water and drunk immediately. Strontium ranelate has rarely been associated with VTE and severe hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical advice if they develop a rash. Strontium ranelate binds to bone, increases X-ray absorption and therefore may result in inflated BMD measurements.

Teriparatide

Teriparatide is a synthetic form of human parathyroid hormone which acts by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing bone formation (Table 2).36,37 In the Fracture Prevention Trial, parathyroid hormone was associated with a decreased risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures and increased vertebral, femoral and total body BMD.38 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing parameters restrict subsidised access to patients with a very high risk of fracture and when other drugs have failed (ie. fracture has occurred during antiresorptive treatment) or are not tolerated. Its use is restricted to a total of 18 months.10 Teriparatide is also indicated for use in men with a high risk of fractures and where other treatments are unsuitable. Following a course of teriparatide it is recommended that patients use an antiresorptive medicine (eg. a bisphosphonate) to further increase BMD and maintain the antifracture effect.14

Special considerations

Renal impairment

Due to age related physiologic changes the renal and hepatic clearance of many medicines is decreased in older people. A patient’s renal function is an important consideration when selecting an appropriate medicine. Plasma calcium concentration should be monitored in patients with renal impairment who receive calcium supplements.10 Calcium supplements may need to be used at a lower dose or be ceased. Bisphosphonates are excreted mainly unchanged via the kidneys. Australian guidelines suggest that bisphosphonates should not be used in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 35 mL/min (Table 1). Strontium ranelate and teriparatide are not recommended in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min.10 Raloxifene mainly undergoes hepatic metabolism and is excreted in faeces.36 No dosage reduction of denosumab is required in renal impairment.

Corticosteroid induced osteoporosis

Corticosteroids are the most common secondary cause of OP, with up to 30–50% of people receiving long term corticosteroid treatment sustaining a fracture.39 The risk of fracture is increased by up to 75% during the first 3 months of treatment. It is recommended that clinicians assess BMD before initiating corticosteroid treatment which is likely to last longer than 3 months. While all patients should receive adequate calcium and vitamin D, these alone are not considered sufficient to counteract the adverse effects of long term corticosteroids on BMD.

Adherence to treatment

Approximately half of postmenopausal women discontinue taking OP treatment within the first 6 months, and two-thirds discontinue within the first year.40 Discontinuation of treatment has been linked to gastrointestinal adverse effects to bisphosphonates.41 Rates of treatment discontinuation may be lower among women prescribed formulations of bisphosphonates that require less frequent administration, although rates of treatment discontinuation are still high.

When to review

BMD retesting

To monitor treatment efficacy and disease progression consider bone densitometry testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) every 2 years after therapy begins, or every 12 months if there is significant change in therapy (eg. change in medicine class rather than dosage regimen change) or if the patient is receiving long term corticosteroid treatment (defined as >4 months).3 Bone mineral density testing is also recommended for patients not receiving pharmacological treatment who are considered to be at high risk of OP. Risk factors for OP that indicate the need for BMD testing are outlined in Table 3. In these patients, DXA may be repeated every 2 years to re-assess the fracture risk and possible need for anti-osteoporosis treatment.

Table 3. Risk factors that indicate the need for bone mineral density testing*
  • Pre-existing minimal trauma fracture(s)
  • Women and men aged 70 years or over
  • Female hypogonadism lasting more than 6 months before the age of 45 years
  • Certain medicines (eg. prolonged corticosteroid treatment)
  • Secondary causes (eg. rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney or liver disease, male hypogonadism, proven malabsorption conditions, or conditions associated with excess corticosteroid secretion or thyroxine excess)
* Medicare reimburses DXA scanning for these risk factors
Adapted from Veterans’ MATES Therapeutic brief 28. Available at www.veteransmates.net.au

Review use of medicines that may increase the risk of falls

Falls prevention strategies are universally recommended, as falls are responsible for 90% of hip fractures and 50% of vertebral fractures in older patients.42 Multiple factors can contribute to falls, including poor balance and muscle strength, unsafe footwear, poor eyesight and some medicines (Table 4).43 A Home Medicines Review may help to educate patients about their OP medicines and assist to identify any medicines that may increase the risk of falling.

Table 4. Medicines that can increase the risk of falls10,27,43
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antiparkinsonians
  • Diuretics
  • Hypnotics
  • Sedatives
  • Anticonvulsants
Adapted from Veterans’ MATES Therapeutic brief 28. Available at www.veteransmates.net.au

Key points

  • Consider pharmacological treatment in patients:
  • with a minimal trauma fracture
  • aged 70 years or over with a T-score of –3.0 or lower (primary prevention)
  • currently on prolonged high dose corticosteroid treatment with a T-score of –1.5 or lower.
  • Calcium and vitamin D is recommended with all anti-osteoporosis treatment if intake is inadequate.
  • Review the use of medicines that may increase the risk of falls (eg. antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, hypnotics, antihypertensives).
  • To monitor treatment efficacy, consider BMD testing by DXA every 2 years after therapy begins, or every 12 months if there is significant change in therapy or if the patient is receiving long term corticosteroid treatment.

Acknowledgements

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ MATES Program is provided by the Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Sansom Institute, University of South Australia in association with Discipline of General Practice, University of Adelaide; Discipline of Public Health, University of Adelaide; Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park; National Prescribing Service; Australian Medicines Handbook; and Drug and Therapeutics Information Service. Veterans’ MATES Program materials are available at www.veteransmates.net.au.

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