Bisphosphonates in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: pros.

In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), both bone formation and resorption are altered, however, with a relative prevalence of resorption, consistent with the positive results that have been reported with bisphosphonate treatment. Many studies have investigated the effect of bisphosphonates (BPs), a widely used class of anti-resorptive drugs, showing a positive effect on bone mineral density and fracture risk. Also in case of postmenopausal osteoporosis, the safety and cost-effectiveness profile of BPs in GIO appears good. Currently, the use of BPs is recommended at the earliest by all major scientific societies in postmenopausal women and men ≥50 years at high risk of fracture receiving glucocorticoid therapy. BPs are the most commonly used anti-osteoporotic agents and they remain the current standard of care for GIO.