A recent study of over 33,000 postmenopausal women showed that among patients newly prescribed one of the two most popular osteoporosis treatments, patients taking Actonel (risedronate sodium) were approximately half as likely to
sustain a hip fracture as those taking alendronate (Fosamax) in the first year
of treatment. These results were published in the peer-reviewed
journal Osteoporosis International.The rapid onset of fracture reduction observed for risedronate in this study is consistent with results from randomized clinical trials of risedronate. Earlier fracture protection means that fewer patients will suffer the devastating consequences of an osteoporotic fracture, helping to both preserve patients' quality of life and to reduce the economic burden of healthcare.
Currently 1.6 million hip fractures occur worldwide per year accounting for approximately billions of dollars in worldwide annual healthcare costs. Among patients who suffer a hip fracture, approximately one in five will die within the following year and 40 percent will be unable to walk independently one year later. (OTS)
