Current Topics on Vitamin D. Treatment of osteoporosis with eldecalcitol: Its therapeutic efficacy and adverse effect on renal function

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Eldecalcitol, a newly developed active vitamin D3 analogue, has an inhibitory effect on bone resorption through disruption of osteoclast formation. In a double blind randomized controlled trial in Japanese patients with osteoporosis, eldecalcitol has been shown to increase bone mineral density and to decrease the incidence of vertebral fractures more effectively than alfacalcidol, an authentic active vitamin D3 analogue for treatment of osteoporosis. In general, long-term use of eldecalcitol seems to be safe ; however, it occasionally might develop hypercalcemia and serious renal impairment as does alfacalcidol. To prevent the adverse event, serum calcium and creatinine levels should be monitored routinely during the treatment with eldecalcitol.