Rare adverse effects of bisphosphonate therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an update on the latest developments regarding rare adverse effects of bisphosphonate therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies covering osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) provided several updates to the literature. Identification of ONJ in large population databases is a challenge but based on one systematic review, the ICD-10 diagnosis code K10.2 (inflammatory conditions of the jaw) seems to be the most commonly used code for this condition. Duration of bisphosphonate therapy was determined to be an important predictor of AFFs. Appropriate duration of therapy followed by a timely drug holiday was shown to be the best strategy for improving bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk, while minimizing risk of rare adverse effects of therapy. The utility of bone turnover markers as a monitoring tool during drug holidays needs to be further investigated.

SUMMARY: ONJ and AFFs are two of the rare adverse effects associated with bisphosphonate therapy. Population-level trends of bisphosphonate use suggest a decline in prescriptions, pointing to broad fears of these side effects. Careful patient evaluation, duration of bisphosphonate therapy, and use of drug holidays can help limit any risk associated with therapy.