A concise, evidence-based medical tool that saves you money

Question:

If I am a woman with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, and am taking a bisphosphonate medication like Fosamax (alendronate) or Actonel (risedronate), should I stop taking it after five years?

Answer:

Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 4
Amount Saved: $50 medical research cost post
Med-O-Meter

4

MedHead Message:

Treatment for osteoporosis with these medications should last for five years. If you take these medication for healthy bones, the risk of developing other types of fractures, such as atypical femur fracture, increases after about five years of use. Drug holidays are suggested to avoid this phenomenon. The length of drug holidays are debated even now.

References:

 

Become A MedHead Today!