Comparison of the Efficacy, Adverse Effects and Cost of Zoledronic Acid and Denosumab In the Treatment of Osteoporosis Journal Article

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Authors: Sheedy, K. C.; Camara, M. I.; Camacho, P. M.; Guo, R
Article Title: Comparison of the Efficacy, Adverse Effects and Cost of Zoledronic Acid and Denosumab In the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Abstract: Objective: Injectable osteoporosis drugs are increasing in popularity due to their efficacy and convenient administration. In this retrospective comparison of the two available treatments, denosumab (Prolia(R)) and zoledronic acid (ZA, Reclast(R)), we aimed to determine and compare the efficacy and tolerability of denosumab and ZA.Methods: The charts of patients who received denosumab and ZA at Loyola Hospital were reviewed and adverse events were noted. Of primary interest were myalgias, flu-like symptoms, back pain, and fractures. A questionnaire regarding the efficacy, tolerability and treatment cost supplemented this chart review in a subset of study participants. Bone mineral density changes, bone turnover markers, and questionnaire results were also compared.Results: The study cohort consisted of 107 patients (51 denosumab, 56 ZA). The denosumab group had a greater mean increase in spine BMD at one year of 0.060g/cm2 than the ZA group, 0.021g/cm2 (p=0.04). The change in femur and spine BMD at one year were not significantly different between the two groups. The ZA group had a significantly greater incidence of mild flu-like symptoms (29% ZA group, 0% D group; p=0.04).Conclusion: The denosumab group had a higher mean increase in spine BMD, and the ZA group had a higher incidence of flu-like symptoms, but the two study groups were statistically similar in patient satisfaction. Since denosumab is still a relatively new therapy, there were a limited number of patients with post-treatment data available for comparison. As more post-therapy data becomes available, it can be further investigated.
Journal Title: Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
ISSN: 1934-2403; 1530-891X
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2014
Start Page: 1
End Page: 11
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:

XQK056112103T773
Notes: LR: 20141106; JID: 9607439; OTO: NOTNLM; aheadofprint; SO: Endocr Pract. 2014 Nov 4:1-11.
LUC Authors
  1. Pauline Camacho
    24 Camacho
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