Update on the treatment of osteoporosis
April 1st 2003Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million Americans and accounts for 1.5 million fractures annually. Several treatment options have been shown to prevent fractures and improve outcomes in patients with osteoporosis. Alendronate and risedronate clearly reduce fractures and are good initial choices in many patients. Raloxifene and calcitonin reduce the risk of vertebral fractures and may be appropriate in certain patients. Teriparatide was recently approved by FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis and may offer another treatment option. Combination therapy has been shown to increase bone mineral density; however, a reduction in the risk of fractures remains to be established. Zoledronic acid may offer an advantage of reduced frequency of administration.
NEW WARNING: Uterine sarcoma linked with long-term tamoxifen use
July 1st 2002Cases of uterine sarcoma in women receiving tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex, AstraZeneca) have prompted a "Dear Health Professional" letter, black-box warnings on labeling, and publication of a letter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine from FDA officials.
Update on the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (PDF)
February 1st 2002Emerging data are continually refining our understanding of the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women. This review assesses the current state of evidence on these various risks and benefits, concluding with an outline of what's established and where varying degrees of uncertainty remain. Algorithms for use of HRT for several established indications are featured.