Bisphosphonates for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: clinical studies of etidronate and alendronate.

Several large, prospective, controlled trials have demonstrated that bisphosphonates such as etidronate and alendronate are effective and generally safe for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The results of these trials show a remarkable degree of consistency and indicate that long-term bisphosphonate therapy significantly increases BMD of the spine and of other skeletal sites, reduces the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, and generally is safe and well tolerated by patients. Data supporting the use of risedronate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis are presented in an accompanying article.