Oral alendronate induces progressive increases in bone mass of the spine, hip and total body over 3 years in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Prevention of Bone Loss with Alendronate in Postmenopausal Women under 60 Years of Age

“…[10][11][12] Bisphosphonates also inhibit bone resorption and increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. [13][14][15] Alendronate is a potent amino bisphosphonate 16,17 that increases bone mass 15,18 and reduces the incidence of vertebral and other fractures 15,19 in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.…”

“…The increments in bone mineral density in the 5-mg group approached those in the estrogen-progestin group and were similar to those achieved with the same dose in two studies of older women with osteoporosis. 15,18 In the second study, 10 mg of alendronate daily produced the greatest gains in bone mineral density, 18 but our study was designed to identify the lowest dose that would maintain or increase bone density in a substantial majority of women rather than produce the maximal gain. In contrast to the results at most sites, forearm bone mineral density *Adverse events could be classified in more than one category.…”

Effects of Alendronate on Gastric and Duodenal Mucosa

“…Several studies have shown that in both recently postmenopausal women (prevention population) and in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (treatment population), alendronate increases bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, hip, and total body (1)(2)(3)(4). In addition, alendronate decreases the incidence of vertebral, hip, and forearm fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (5)(6)(7).…”

“…In the osteoporosis treatment studies, clinical side-effects observed at the 10-mg dose were uncommon, but included upper GI adverse experiences such as abdominal pain, dysphagia, and esophageal ulceration (1,2). There was no excess of patients discontinuing relative to placebo, and alendronate at doses up to 20 mg/day was generally well tolerated.…”

Alendronate in Early Postmenopausal Women: Effects on Bone Mass during Long-Term Treatment and after Withdrawal1

“…This dose causes increases of 5-9% in spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) over 2-3 yr (2)(3)(4)(5) and reduces the risk of vertebral and hip fractures by up to 50% (2,6) in women with low bone mass or osteoporosis. This dose causes increases of 5-9% in spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) over 2-3 yr (2)(3)(4)(5) and reduces the risk of vertebral and hip fractures by up to 50% (2,6) in women with low bone mass or osteoporosis.…”