Nadia Surujbally, PharmD(c)
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Intravenous, once yearly zoledronic acid was studied in women aged 75 and older. This placebo controlled clinical study showed zoledronic acid effectively increased bone mineral density. This reduces the incidence of fractures in post menopausal women in as little as one year. There was no significant risk reduction in hip fracture over three years. However, vertebral and non-vertebral risk reductions were significant.
Once a year treatment increases
compliance and limits side effects (flu-like symptoms) to just 3 days which can be treated with Tylenol. Oral bisphosphonates require patients to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast with a glass of water. Patients must be able to sit or stand for 30 minutes after administration due to the esophageal erosion and upset stomach it may cause. Monthly or weekly treatments with other bisphosphonates decreases compliance as compared to zoledronic acid.
The study was funded by the manufacturer.
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Intravenous, once yearly zoledronic acid was studied in women aged 75 and older. This placebo controlled clinical study showed zoledronic acid effectively increased bone mineral density. This reduces the incidence of fractures in post menopausal women in as little as one year. There was no significant risk reduction in hip fracture over three years. However, vertebral and non-vertebral risk reductions were significant.
Once a year treatment increases compliance and limits side effects (flu-like symptoms) to just 3 days which can be treated with Tylenol. Oral bisphosphonates require patients to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast with a glass of water. Patients must be able to sit or stand for 30 minutes after administration due to the esophageal erosion and upset stomach it may cause. Monthly or weekly treatments with other bisphosphonates decreases compliance as compared to zoledronic acid.
The study was funded by the manufacturer.