Leading charity has concerns about new bisphosphonate guidance
Healthcare professionals must ensure they consider all aspects of a patient’s fracture risk before stopping osteoporosis drugs, urges the National Osteoporosis Society. Otherwise, people at risk may miss out on the drug treatments they need.
The call follows publication of new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which states that people with multiple health conditions should have their medications systematically reviewed to make sure they continue to provide benefit rather than harm.
The new NICE guidance says that clinicians should discuss stopping bisphosphonates after three years of treatment and include “patient choice, fracture risk and life expectancy in the discussion”.
National Osteoporosis Society clinical advisors argue this discussion between patient and doctor is vitally important as fracture risk may still be high in many patients after three years of treatment and they may benefit from continuing their medication.
“The National Osteoporosis Society regularly hears from people on osteoporosis drug treatments with multiple vertebral fractures who have had their medication stopped without any explanation or discussion,” comments Prof Neil Gittoes, chair of the National Osteoporosis Society’s Clinical and Scientific Committee.
“It is essential that health professionals properly engage with their patients to discuss the risks and benefits of all medications, including those for osteoporosis, as part of an individualised treatment plan to prevent as far as possible disabling, painful fractures occurring.”
If you are taking bisphosphonates and have any concerns, talk to your doctor or call the National Osteoporosis Society helpline: 0808 800 0035.
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