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Review of adherence to medications for the treatment of osteoporosis

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Abstract

One of the major challenges of successful osteoporosis management is poor patient adherence to current therapies. Individuals who are nonadherent have significant consequences of reduced bone mineral density response, reduced bone marker suppression, and increased risk for fracture compared with individuals who are adherent. Although reducing the dosing interval from daily to weekly oral bisphosphonates has improved adherence, adherence with weekly bisphosphonates remains suboptimal. Barriers to adherence include patient health beliefs, inadequate patient education and age. Potential solutions include increased health care provider-patient interaction, and longer times between doses of medications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, & Center for Aging, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3003, 27710, Durham, NC, USA

    Deborah T. Gold PhD

Authors
  1. Deborah T. Gold PhD
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  2. Stuart Silverman MD, FACP, FACR
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Correspondence to Deborah T. Gold PhD.

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Gold, D.T., Silverman, S. Review of adherence to medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Curr Osteoporos Rep 4, 21–27 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-006-0011-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-006-0011-8

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