The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7402 p615
27 May 2006

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Importance of adherence in osteoporosis patients highlighted in new report

The importance of adherence to long-term osteoporosis therapy — namely bisphosphonate medicines — has been highlighted in a new report released this week by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

The report suggests that various health professionals, nurses and pharmacists in particular, have a major role in understanding the needs of osteoporosis patients and helping them stay on treatment.

Chris Martin, a pharmacist formerly involved in a bone health programme in Wales and chairman of Pembrokeshire Local Health Board, told The Journal: “Adherence is a known problem for patients taking bisphosphonates because of side effects and the complicated directions needed to take these medicines properly. Pharmacists, particularly those in the community, have a definite role in helping people with osteoporosis to understand what their condition is, and why it needs to be treated. Pharmacists need to educate these patients about lifestyle issues such as diet, weight-bearing exercise and risk factors.”