Polypharmacy in Osteoporosis Treatment
Megan McConnell1, Albert Shieh2
1UCLA Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 57-145, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|October 9, 2022
Summary
Older adults with osteoporosis and polypharmacy face higher fracture risks. Treatment selection requires individualization considering fracture risk, comorbidities, and medication burden for better adherence and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoporosis and polypharmacy are common in older adults.
- Polypharmacy is a recognized risk factor for fractures, particularly hip and fall-related fractures.
- Existing osteoporosis treatments include antiresorptive and osteoanabolic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the interplay between polypharmacy and osteoporosis in the elderly.
- To emphasize the impact of polypharmacy on adherence to osteoporosis treatments.
- To guide individualized osteoporosis treatment selection in older adults with polypharmacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on osteoporosis management in older adults with polypharmacy.
- Analysis of risk factors, treatment options, and adherence challenges.
- Synthesis of factors influencing individualized treatment decisions.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy is associated with increased risk of hip and fall-related fractures.
- Adherence to osteoporosis pharmacologic therapy is often worse in patients with polypharmacy.
- Individualized treatment selection is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Osteoporosis treatment in older adults with polypharmacy necessitates a personalized approach.
- Factors such as fracture risk, comorbidities, medication burden, and treatment profiles must be considered.
- Optimizing treatment selection can improve adherence and reduce fracture risk.
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