STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk

July 2013

Experts continue to suggest STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk.

Bisphosphonates persist in the bones for years, so 3 to 5 years of therapy is enough for many patients.

Advise patients taking bisphosphonates for many years to talk to their prescriber about possibly stopping the drug.

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Table of Contents

Antithrombotics more emphasis on patients with A fib NOT stopping Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), or Eliquis (apixaban)
Men's Health new option for testosterone replacement called Axiron (AXE-er-on), a solution that's applied to the underarms
Bites & Stings The latest Canadian guidelines for preventing insect bites
Practice Pharmacists will get more involved in "transitions of care"
Ophthalmology treatments for open-angle glaucoma
Osteoporosis STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk
Pediatrics Codeine should no longer be used in kids under 12 years old
Respiratory & Allergy Inhaled steroids are in and LONG-acting beta-agonists are out for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Ghost Tablets Patients may not believe their drug is working if they see "ghost" tablets in their stool
Women's Health new OTC screening test for vaginal infections called VagiSense
NSAIDs a bigger push to avoid ORAL diclofenac