[Calcium pros and cons: long term use of bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates should be used for postmenopausal osteoporosis for a long term].

Only bisphosphonates have evidence that show to reduce the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis. From the viewpoint of risk benefit, it may be said that a utility is far superior to problems of the long-term use. Long-term use of bisphosphonates is necessary for the patients at elevated risk for the hip fracture.