Fear of osteoporosis fractures 'not consistent with therapy'

Many patients with osteoporosis fear physical disability resulting from fractures, but do not always adhere to care, new research has shown.

Less than half of patients still take prescribed medication one year after diagnosis, underlining the serious problem with adherence to therapy, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

The research also revealed that patients are not always as well informed as they believe themselves to be, while doctors underestimate adherence to treatment by those with the condition.

Reassuringly, eight in ten doctors said they would be willing to improve awareness of the condition by handing out educational material.

Commenting on the survey findings, IOF chief executive Patrice McKenney explained: "They [doctors] can help patients share their concerns, improve patient-doctor dialogue, allow patient-to-patient contact, encourage long-term adherence to prescribed treatment and help patients to maintain or improve quality of life."

In November, researchers at Loyola University Health System suggested that taking a break from osteoporosis drug therapy could in fact protect the health of some bones.

The findings suggest that a popular class of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, can cause fractures in thigh bones and tissue decay in the jaw bone.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home