Trends in the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis in Spain from 2000 to 2008

Abstract

AimTo analyze the time trends in anti-osteoporosis medications consumption in Spain between 2000 and 2008 and the influence on such consumption induced by the Information Sheets related to the safety of menopausal hormone therapy and strontium ranelate published by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). MethodsPurchase data of anti-osteoporosis medications from 2000 to 2008 were obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Health. This information includes the pharmacy sales data of medicinal products reimbursed by the Spanish National Health Service. Anti-osteoporosis medications consumption data were expressed as defined daily dose per 1 000 inhabitants per day in women aged 50 or more. ResultsDuring the study period, anti-osteoporosis medications consumption showed a continuous increase. The greatest increase was observed with bisphosphonates, particularly alendronate and risedronate in their weekly formulations. Strontium ranelate consumption was low but continuously increased and new information concerning its safety in 2007 had no effect on its consumption. The use of menopausal hormone therapy remained stable until 2003, and from then presented a continuous decrease until 2008. Raloxifene utilization increased from 2000 to 2004 and decreased thereafter. Calcitonin utilization decreased uninterruptedly and teriparatide was infrequently used. ConclusionThis study reports a marked change in osteoporosis treatment in Spain, which includes an important increase in anti-osteoporosis medication use, particularly of bisphosphonates and a decrease in menopausal hormone therapy use secondary to the new information about their safety.