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OSTEOPOROSIS
Fosamax (alendronate) is now approved for treating osteoporosis in men or women taking chronic glucocorticoids.
This new indication is for patients who take the equivalent of 7.5 mg/day or more of prednisone.. .AND have low bone mineral density.
These patients can lose up to 15% of their overall bone mass in their first year on steroids. Fractures occur in up to 50% of people on long-term steroids.
Advise all patients on chronic steroids to consume at least 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium. . . and 800 lU/day of vitamin D.
Also recommend estrogen or raloxifene (Evista) for postrnenopausal women.. .and testosterone for men with low levels.
Monitor bone density in patients on chronic steroids.
If needed, prescribe Fosamax. . .5 mg/day for most patients.. .or 10 mg/day for postmenopausal women who aren't taking estrogen.
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Hookman, M.D., P.A. Home Page