Overcoming problems with adherence to osteoporosis medication

Abstract

Nonadherence to pharmacological treatment in osteoporosis is a well-recognized problem. As in other chronic diseases, adherence to osteoporosis treatment is poor, resulting in enormous burden on patients and healthcare resources. Most importantly, low adherence rates consistently result in increased rates of fractures. However, it seems that efforts to evaluate and improve rates of both compliance and persistence are increasing. The extension of dosing intervals may be an element, among others, allowing improvements in therapeutic adherence. Improved patient education, enhancing healthcare provider–patients interaction, taking into account patient’s preferences and involving them in treatment decisions may improve adherence.

Keywords::

• adherence
• bisphosphonates
• compliance
• fracture
• osteoporosis
• persistence

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Jean-Yves Reginster has received consulting fees or paid advisory boards from Servier, Novartis, Negma, Lilly, Wyeth, Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Merckle, Nycomed, NPS and Theramex; lecture fees when speaking at the invitation of a commercial sponsor from Merck Sharp & Dohme, Lilly, Rottapharm, IBSA, Genevrier, Novartis, Servier, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Teijin, Teva, Ebewee Pharma, Zodiac, Analis, Theramex, Nycomed and Novo-Nordisk; grant support from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck Sharp & Dhome, Rottapharm, Teva, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Amgen and Servier. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.