Effect of ipriflavone on pain due to recent osteoporotic vertebral crush fracture

Abstract

Aim: Ipriflavone conserves bone mass in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Salmon calcitonin and alendronate, two other anti‐resorptive drugs, have been found to have analgesic effects in osteoporotic acute vertebral fracture. This study aimed to determine if ipriflavone also possesses such an effect. Methods: Thirty‐two women with recent osteoporotic vertebral fractures were randomly assigned to ipriflavone treatment or placebo groups. Ipriflavone was given at the dose of 200 mg three times a day. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were given ad libitum in both groups. Calcium carbonate (1 g daily) was administered to all subjects. Intensity of pain at rest, on movement and on pressure, pain rating on a 10‐point visual analogue scale, degree of mobility impairment, and supplementary analgesic were assessed at the end of a 3‐month period in both groups to assess the analgesic effect of ipriflavone. Results: Fourteen subjects in the ipriflavone group and 12 in the placebo group completed the trial. After 3 months, all pain variables had decreased significantly in both groups. Intensity of pain at rest and on pressure and supplementary analgesic use were significantly lower in the ipriflavone group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: The study shows that ipriflavone has an analgesic adjuvant effect in acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture.