Treating osteoporosis: risks and management

Osteoporosis, osteopenia and minimal trauma fractures are becoming increasingly common in the ageing population. Fractures cause increases in morbidity and mortality and have a significant financial impact on the healthcare system and society Addressing risk factors for osteoporosis early may prevent or delay the onset of fractures and use of drugs. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may benefit people with a high risk of deficiency (e.g. institutionalised older people) but may not be required in people without risk factors. Impact and resistance exercises and physical activity can increase bone density and prevent falls Antiresorptive drugs such as bisphosphonates and denosumab remain first-line treatment options for osteoporosis. The ongoing need for bisphosphonates should be assessed after five years and treatment may then be interrupted in some patients. Progressive bone loss will recur slowly. Denosumab therapy should not be interrupted without switching to another therapy, as post-treatment bone loss can progress rapidly. All patients will need ongoing monitoring and most will require some long-term therapy once started Raloxifene may be considered in women who do not tolerate first-line antiresorptive drugs. Romosozumab is a new anabolic treatment for osteoporosis and, together with teriparatide, is subsidised as second-line therapy for individuals with severe disease and multiple fractures. Specialist referral should be considered for patients who sustain fractures while undergoing osteoporosis therapy.