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IOF evaluates osteoporosis medications

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Fracture Working Group in April published its conclusions on the effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing.

Key conclusions included: Delayed fracture healing is common and practitioners should strive for early recognition and treatment; antiresorptives such as bisphosphonates may delay fracture healing, but the risk is low; and anabolic agents such as teriparatide that enhance osteoblastic bone formation may have a beneficial effect on fracture healing.

The panel concluded there was no negative effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing, and that it is safe to start osteoporosis medications as soon as possible after both vertebral and nonvertebral fracture. However, the panel agreed that, after the occurrence of an atypical femur fracture, bisphosphonate therapy should be stopped. Treatment with an anabolic agent such as teriparatide should be considered to improve healing.

Osteoporosis International epublished the statement on April 25.

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