Authors' objectives: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a loss of bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is highly prevalent, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Canadians over 40 years of age. Fractures associated with osteoporosis commonly occur in vertebral sites, but also occur in non-vertebral sites. They are associated with significant costs, diminished quality of life, and mortality, as well as an increased risk of future fractures. In Canada, different classes of drugs are indicated for osteoporosis. Of interest to this project are four bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, etidronate, and zoledronic acid), denosumab, and teriparatide. These drugs have been available for decades, are widely used, and have a significant budget impact. This proposed project will evaluate the relative clinical effectiveness and safety of the drugs used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://cadth.ca/bisphosphonate-drugs-treatment-osteoporosis-post-menopausal-women

URL for protocol: https://cadth.ca/sites/default/files/cdr/cdr-pdf/he0023-drugs-for-osteoporosis-protocol.pdf

Year Published: 2021

URL for published report: https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/hta-he/he0023_drugs-for-osteoporosis-final.pdf

URL for additional information: https://cadth.ca/bisphosphonate-drugs-treatment-osteoporosis-post-menopausal-women

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Mini HTA

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: <p>Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)</p>