[Patient's preference for the daily and weekly bisphosphonate--evaluation from questionnaire of osteoporosis...

Once-weekly bisphosphonate(BP) is the most useful treatment for osteoporosis, being both effective and convenient. Although weekly administration seems convenient, this regimen is not widespread for Japanese osteoporosis patients, and it is not clear how acceptable it is to patients. The preference for once-daily and once-weekly BP by osteoporosis patients was investigated using a questionnaire. Among patients already taking once-weekly BP, 80% of patients preferred this treatment. Among patients not taking once-weekly BP, 50-60% preferred the once-weekly preparation. The reason for preferring the once-daily over the once-weekly preparation was investigated, showing that many patients had concerns about missing a dose. Patients taking once-daily risedronate were switched to once-weekly risedronate for 2 weeks, and the questionnaire was administered before and after the treatment period. The rate of preferring the once-weekly preparation increased from about 50% to about 80%, after taking once-weekly risedronate for 2 weeks. It was concluded that patients who had not taken once-weekly BP had some concerns about missing a dose, but if that concern was alleviated and once-weekly BP started, patient satisfaction could be improved.