Knowledge gap in a cross section of Irish general practitioners prescribing denosumab for osteoporosis

Denosumab is commonly used by general practitioners (GPs) in Ireland to treat osteoporosis though drug holidays are not recommended with rebound bone loss and risk of vertebral fractures if stopped. We aimed to investigate GP practice and knowledge regarding denosumab including use and reasons for use, therapy duration, blood monitoring and recommended vitamin D status/calcium intake on treatment, staff administering, methods of recall, delays in receiving injections, management of and awarenes of guidelines if stopped, reasons for stopping and concerns about same.

GPs were contacted (n = 846) by email and invited to complete an online anonymous survey comprising 25 questions in January 2022. We collated responses and explored for differences between GP principals/trainers and GP trainees.

There were 146 responses. Sixty-seven percent were female and 50% were GP principal/trainers. Forty-three percent used denosumab as a first line therapy citing convenience in 32% of cases. Half (50%) envisaged therapy for 3-5 years and 15% lifelong use. A fifth (21%) had no concerns about it being stopped (11% trainors vs 31% trainees, P = 0.002). If stopped, 41% cited opting for a drug holiday with monitoring. Forty percent of GPs gave patients a reminder card for the next injection and 27% had an alert system.

We identified a knowledge gap in denosumab prescribing among a sample of Irish GPs. Findings suggest a need for education to increase awareness around denosumab use and to consider recall systems in GP practices as suggested elsewhere to ensure persistence with therapy.