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Bisphosphonates are considered first-line agents in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis based on extensive experience of use, safety, and proven efficacy in reducing vertebral, non-vertebral and femur fractures. However, post-marketing reports based on the treatment of millions of patients/year over lengthy periods of time have revealed the occurrence of initially unexpected adverse effects, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fracture, leading to the restriction of treatment duration with bisphosphonates by global regulatory agencies. However, despite the association between these effects and bisphosphonates, this risk should be analyzed in the context of osteoporosis treatment, alongside the benefit of preventing osteoporotic fractures and their clinical consequences. Therefore, we consider it plausible to discuss the restriction to the use of bisphosphonates, possible indications for prolonged treatment and alternative therapies following the suspension of this drug class for patients with persistent high risk of fracture after initial treatment, especially considering the problems of public health funding in Brazil and the shortage of drugs provided by the government. Thus, to standardize the treatment of osteoporosis in the public health care system, we aim to develop a proposal for a scientifically-based pharmacological treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, establishing criteria for indication and allowing the rational use of each pharmacological agent. We discuss the duration of the initial bisphosphonate treatment, the therapeutic options for refractory patients and potential indications of other classes of drugs as first-choice treatment in the sphere of public health, in which assessing risk and cost effectiveness is a priority. RESUMO Com base na vasta experiência de uso, segurança e eficácia comprovada na redução de fraturas vertebrais, não vertebrais e femorais, os bisfosfonatos são considerados agentes de primeira linha no tratamento da osteoporose pós-menopáusica. No entanto, os relatos pós-venda baseados no tratamento de milhões de pacientes/ano durante períodos prolongados de tempo revelaram a ocorrência de efeitos adversos inicialmente inesperados, como osteonecrose da mandíbula e fratura atípica do fêmur. Isso levou as agências reguladoras globais a restringirem a duração do tratamento com bisfosfonatos. No entanto, apesar da associação entre esses efeitos e os bisfosfonatos, esse risco deve ser analisado no contexto do tratamento da osteoporose, paralelamente ao benefício na prevenção de fraturas osteoporóticas e suas consequências clínicas. Portanto, considera-se plausível discutir a restrição ao uso dos bisfosfonatos, possíveis indicações para o tratamento prolongado e terapias opcionais após a suspensão dessa classe de fármaco para pacientes com alto risco persistente de fratura após o tratamento inicial, especialmente se considerarmos os problemas financeiros de saúde pública no Brasil e a escassez de fármacos fornecidos pelo governo. Assim, para padronizar o tratamento da osteoporose no sistema público de saúde pretende-se desenvolver uma proposta de tratamento farmacológico cientificamente fundamentada para a osteoporose pós-menopáusica, estabelecer critérios de indicação e permitir o uso racional de cada agente farmacológico. Discutem-se a duração do tratamento inicial com bisfosfonatos, as opções terapêuticas para pacientes refratários e potenciais indicações de outras classes de medicamentos como tratamento de primeira linha na esfera da saúde pública, em que a avaliação do risco e custo-efetividade é uma prioridade.

Bisphosphonates are considered first-line agents in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis based on extensive experience of use, safety, and proven efficacy in reducing vertebral, non-vertebral and femur fractures. However, post-marketing reports based on the treatment of millions of patients/year over lengthy periods of time have revealed the occurrence of initially unexpected adverse effects, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fracture, leading to the restriction of treatment duration with bisphosphonates by global regulatory agencies. However, despite the association between these effects and bisphosphonates, this risk should be analyzed in the context of osteoporosis treatment, alongside the benefit of preventing osteoporotic fractures and their clinical consequences. Therefore, we consider it plausible to discuss the restriction to the use of bisphosphonates, possible indications for prolonged treatment and alternative therapies following the suspension of this drug class for patients with persistent high risk of fracture after initial treatment, especially considering the problems of public health funding in Brazil and the shortage of drugs provided by the government. Thus, to standardize the treatment of osteoporosis in the public health care system, we aim to develop a proposal for a scientifically-based pharmacological treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, establishing criteria for indication and allowing the rational use of each pharmacological agent. We discuss the duration of the initial bisphosphonate treatment, the therapeutic options for refractory patients and potential indications of other classes of drugs as first-choice treatment in the sphere of public health, in which assessing risk and cost effectiveness is a priority.

Hospital Universitario Walter Cantidio, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza CE, Brazil.Received 1 August 2007, received in final form 23 October 2007. Accepted 7 December 2007.Dr. Francisco de Assis Aquino Gondim – Universidade Federal do Ceara / CP 3157 - Rua Cel Nunes de Melo 1127 - 60430-270 Fortaleza CE - Brasil. E-mail: gondimfranc@yahoo.com

Worldwide, osteoporosis is one of the health problems of greatest magnitude, impact and social and economic burden. To evaluate the frequency and divergence of peripheral and axial low bone mass, and the influence of ageing and hypoestrogenism. 189 healthy and postmenopausal women, between 50 and 65 years old, held peripheral and axial bone densitometry and were stratified according to WHO’s criteria, band age and time since menopause. The difference in the prevalence rates among sites and within each group was evaluated by the McNemar tests and chi-square, with a significance level of 0.05. 54%, 53%, 78% e 59% of the sample had low bone mass in distal radius, ultradistal, spine and hip. There was a proportional discrepancy of patients with osteoporosis between axial and peripheral sites (p = 0,003, distal radius and p = 0,019, ultradistal), and between spine and hip (p = 0000). Proportionally, osteoporosis increased with age and menopausal time, in distal and ultradistal radius (p = 0000). The process of bone demineralization affected more than half of the sample. Osteopenia was equally present at the four bone sites, while osteoporosis was more prevalent and set up early from menopause beginning in lumbar spine, apparently determined by ageing and hypoestrogenism in peripheral sites.