Questionnaire Study in Post Menopausal Women on Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis

Abstract

1 Second Year Post Graduate, Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Medicine 2 Assistant Professor, Dr. D.Y.Patil School of Medicine 3 Professor and Guide, Dr. D.Y.Patil School of Medicine 4 Professor and HOD Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D Y Patil school of Medicine Abstract: Background: Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent condition. Bone fractures, especially of the hip and vertebrae, are the most burdensome complications of osteoporosis. Numerous drugs are currently available to treat osteoporosis such as bisphosphonates. Materials And Methods: A structured validated questionnaire containing questions was circulated amongst post menopausal women and orthopedic Surgeons. In this Questionnaire study we have tried to estimate the preference of drugs, which Bisphosphonates, the Patient compliance, by post-menopausal women and the orthopedic surgeons views on bisphosphonates from their experience while prescribing them to post menopausal women. Results: The questionnaire was filled by 50 post menopausal women during a period of 8 months. 90% of the women were on oral Risedronate 70 mg once monthly and 10% women were on oral Alendronate 5 mg once daily. None of the women experienced a single fracture since menopause. 5(10%) women had Hypertension and remaining 90% had no other comorbid conditions.40 (80%) women were on treatment for osteoporosis since 3 months while 10(20%) were on treatment for 6 months. 5(10%) women were bothered by GI side effects for atleast 3 days on taking medication while 45(90%) on once monthly dose were bothered by side effects for 1 day. On the satisfaction response scale, 30 (85.2%) women were very satisfied in Risedronate and 5(33.3%) in the alendronate group. 5(14.3%) in Risedronate and 10(66.6%) in the Alendronate group were somewhat dissatisfied about the frequency of medication. Orthopedic surgeons commonly prescribed Risedronate. The medication was affordable to all the patients. The adherence of patients was 40(80%) women most of the times. The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting seen in 45(90%) patients. Conclusion: Amongst the Bisphosphonates once monthly Risedronate was the most commonly prescribed drug.The patient adherence and compliance was also better for once monthly dose of Risedronate. The Orthopaedic Surgeons got better compliance with once monthly Risedronate.