Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent condition. Bone fractures, especially of the hip and vertebrae, are the most burdensome complications of osteoporosis. The drugs used are either those inhibiting bone resorption and those stimulating bone formation and both. 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.

Data was extracted from the completed questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel software.

Results: The questionnaire was filled by 50 post menopausal women during a period of 8 months. The women underwent DXA as the initial investigation for the diagnosis of Osteoporosis. 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. 10% of women had Hypertension and remaining 90% had no other comorbid conditions. 80 % women were on treatment for osteoporosis since 3 months while 20% were on treatment for 6 months. 10% women were bothered by GI side effects for atleast 3 days on taking medication while 90% on once monthly dose were bothered by side effects for 1 day. On the satisfaction response scale 92% were somewhat satisfied while 8 % were somewhat dissatisfied. 90% women preferred once monthly dose while 10% were taking once daily dose.

Orthopedic surgeons commonly prescribed Risedronate. The medication was affordable to  all the patients. 70% times they came across GI side effects from Bisphosphonates. 80% patients preferred once monthly dose. The adherence of patients was 80% most of the times. The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting seen in 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 Risendronate.