Antiresorptives and anabolic therapy in sequence or combination for postmenopausal osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease which may require treatment for many years and requires not only individual management but often sequential or combination treatments. Monotherapy with antiresorptives is usually the first choice. Sometimes, it is necessary to modify this option for therapeutic failure or for the time of use and risk of side-effects. Due to their different mode of action, therapy with anabolic drugs has increased our options in the treatment of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women and men with severe and progressive osteoporosis despite antiresorptive treatment ('therapeutic failure') should be evaluated for treatment with an anabolic option. Moreover, anabolic agents are indicated for 18-24 months in patients at high risk. Then, sequential antiresorptive therapy is recommended to maintain drug increases in bone mass and support secondary mineralization of the newly formed bone. Combination therapies of antiresorptives and anabolic agents have shown a significant increase in bone mineral density compared to monotherapies. However, none of the combinations have been studied for the prevention of fractures. Combination therapy may not be recommended because of the possible increase in cost.