[Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: avoiding clinical inertia and promoting therapeutic adherence].

Given the ageing of the population and the socio-economic burden of osteoporotic fractures, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are a priority. A number of effective therapeutic agents have been developed, allowing a better management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Despite the availability of these agents, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and a significant proportion of patients receive no treatment. The prevention of the first fracture constitutes one of the major concerns. Moreover, adherence to anti-osteoporosis medications remains poor. Long-term adherence to therapy is required for optimal therapeutic benefit for patients with osteoporosis. Adequate adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatment leads to abetter increase in bone mineral density and a significant reduction in risk of both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Consequently, therapeutic adherence must be a major concern for physicians managing osteoporosis. The extension of dosing intervals may be an element, among others, allowing to improve therapeutic adherence. The once monthly oral, quaterly or annual intravenous (bisphosphonates), or else subcutaneous, every 6 months (denosumab) formulations may potentially improve adherence.