Study: Actonel Reduces Vertebral Fracture Risk 70% In Patients On Steroids.

2001 NOV 14 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Vertebral fracture risk in men and women who take oral glucocorticoid treatment (>7.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) for chronic diseases is significantly reduced with Actonel (risedronate sodium tablets) 5 mg in just one year, according to data presented at the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Las Vegas.

Patients on Actonel 5 mg daily while initiating or continuing glucocorticoid (a class of steroids) therapy experienced significant vertebral fracture reduction of 70% compared with placebo (p=0.01, absolute risk reduction 10.8%) within just one year. All patients received calcium supplementation and some received vitamin D. Vertebral fractures were confirmed radiographically, some were associated with symptoms.

The research results were presented by Stanley Wallach, MD, executive director of the American College of Nutrition and codirector of the Hospital for Joint Diseases Osteoporosis Center at ArthroFitness, New York, New York, involving over 500 men and women, ages 18 to 85, on chronic glucocorticoid therapy.

"The majority of patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy do not receive treatment to prevent bone loss," said Wallach. "Early intervention is important because glucocorticoid-induced bone loss can happen in as little as three months, which can quickly lead to fractures."

It is estimated that up to 50% of patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy (>7.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) will experience osteoporotic fractures. Glucocorticoids are a primary therapy for many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases - including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis - as well as many allergic conditions.