Study compares osteoporosis drugs: denosumab and zoledronic acid

The benefits and risks of two commonly-used drugs for osteoporosis have been highlighted in a US study presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research’s annual meeting.

Denosumab (Prolia) and zoledronic acid (zolendronate or Aclasta) were compared using data from 107 people; results showed that both had similar results in most areas. But denosumab was found to have a greater effect on increasing spine bone mineral density. And people taking zoledronic acid experienced more flu-like symptoms as a side effect of their treatment.

“This study helped us quantify the efficacy and adverse effects of these two drugs providing further guidance for physicians who prescribe these treatments,” says Dr Pauline Camacho, study investigator. “While this was the first head-to-head comparison of these two treatments, larger prospective studies will be needed to confirm these findings.”