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Osteoporosis - Independent medicine & health information for consumers & professionals Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and prone to breaking. This means a higher risk of fractures (broken bones), including those in the hip, spine and wrist. Fractures can lead to long-term pain and the loss of independence.
Osteoporosis typically affects older women and men, especially women who have passed the menopause. However age is not the only risk factor.
For ways you can look after your bones and help prevent fractures, whether you have osteoporosis or not, follow the links to the right.
Health professionals resources
Building healthy bones and preventing fractures are key to managing osteoporosis (brittle bones). It includes maintaining bone health throughout the lifespan by ensuring adequate calcium in the diet, vitamin D and physical activity.
Preventing fractures requires a multifaceted approach, including identifying the range of risk factors for fractures, bone loss and falls. This approach to assessing fracture risk allows interventions, including anti-osteoporotic drugs, to be targeted to those most at risk of osteoporotic fracture.
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| Title | Description | Type | Audience  |
Date* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Additional content Strontium ranelate (Protos) for postmenopausal osteoporosis: Differences between trial populations used for indirect comparisons between strontium and alendronate |
Comparison of TROPOS, SOTI, FIT-1, and FIT-2 trial populations provided as additional content on strontium ranelate (Protos) for postmenopausal osteoporosis. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Web only item | Health Professionals | 2007-11-01 00:00:00 |
Strontium ranelate (Protos) for postmenopausal osteoporosis |
New information relevant to this topic has become available since this RADAR review was published in November 2007. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Web only item | Health Professionals | 2010-04-23 00:00:00 |
Correspondence from Servier Laboratories on strontium ranelate |
Correspondence between Servier Laboratories and NPS on use of strontium ranelate for postmenopausal osteoporosis. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Correspondence | Health Professionals | 2007-11-01 00:00:00 |
Alendronate (Alendro Once Weekly, Fosamax Once Weekly, Fosamax Plus) for osteoporosis in people at high risk of fracture |
Reviews extension of PBS listing for alendronate to include treatment of osteoporosis without fracture in older people with low bone mineral density scores. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2007-02-01 00:00:00 |
Alendronate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (Fosamax Plus) for osteoporosis |
Information about use of Alendronate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (Fosamax Plus) for osteoporosis |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2008-12-01 00:00:00 |
Bone up on ways to prevent osteoporosis |
During Healthy Bone Week (August 1 7), NPS MedicineWise is urging Australians to minimise their risk of osteoporosis from an early age through diet and lifestyle changes. This follows a nationwide program working with doctors to improve detection, diagnosis and management of the condition |
Media release | Others | 2011-08-01 19:00:00 |
Alendronate and its combinations: PBS listing extended to corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis |
Treatment now subsidised on the PBS for people receiving long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy who have low bone mineral density. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item | Health Professionals | 2010-11-09 00:00:00 |
Risedronate (Actonel Once-a-month) and summary of anti-resorptive drug listings |
Summary of PBS listed anti-resorptive drugs for osteoporosis including the new listing for once-monthly risedronate tablets. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
Risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis |
Information about use of risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item | Health Professionals | 2009-02-10 00:00:00 |
Calcium salts and osteoporosis |
Pharmacy letter on preventing osteoporotic fractures and the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Includes information on self-audits. |
Professional publication - Pharmacy Letter | Health Professionals | 2003-04-01 00:00:00 |
Calcium supplements for osteoporosis assessment form |
Pharmacy practice audit on calcium supplements for osteoporosis patients. |
Professional activity - Pharmacy Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2008-04-26 00:00:00 |
Case study 25 report: Managing osteoporosis |
Patient presents to discuss her risk of osteoporosis. Her mother has just been diagnosed osteoporosis following a fractured neck of femur. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2003-02-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 25: Managing osteoporosis |
Patient presents to discuss her risk of osteoporosis. Her mother has just been diagnosed osteoporosis following a fractured neck of femur. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2003-02-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 30 report: Clinical crossroads with hormone replacement therapy |
Female patient presents for a repeat prescription of continuous combined HRT, commenced 2 years ago for menopausal symptoms. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2004-04-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 30: Clinical crossroads with hormone replacement therapy |
Female patient presents for a repeat prescription of continuous combined HRT, commenced 2 years ago for menopausal symptoms. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2004-02-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 49 report: Reducing risk of osteoporotic fractures |
Elderly patient diagnosed with osteoporosis, confirmed by BMD after X-ray showed 2 vertebral fractures. Had an early menopause and has family history of breast cancer. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2007-10-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 49: Reducing risk of osteoporotic fractures |
Elderly patient diagnosed with osteoporosis, confirmed by BMD after X-ray showed 2 vertebral fractures. Had an early menopause and has family history of breast cancer. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2007-08-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 59: Optimising quality of life during menopause |
Johara, 50, presents complaining of hot flushes with sweating 23 times a day over the last year. Her sleep has been disturbed, and her menstrual cycle irregular for 12 months. She wonders if complementary medicines or hormone replacement therapy might help but is concerned about the safety of their use. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 68 report: Testing and treating vitamin D deficiency |
This case study focussed on testing and treating Alima, who may be at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2011-06-20 00:00:00 |
Case study 68: Vitamin D |
Alima is a 35-year-old housewife who arrived in Australia with her family from the Middle East 2 years ago. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2011-04-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 69 report: Osteoporosis |
This case study focused on reducing fracture risk for Bill, a 72-year-old retired train driver with a fractured hip six months ago. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2011-10-01 00:00:00 |
Case study 69: Osteoporosis |
Bill, a 72-year-old retired train driver, was discharged from hospital 6 months ago after recovering from a fractured hip caused when his foot caught on a floor mat |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2011-06-01 00:00:00 |
Case study PH7 report: For pharmacists. Managing osteoporosis |
Patient presents to discuss her risk of osteoporosis. Her mother has just been diagnosed osteoporosis following a fractured neck of femur. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2003-02-01 00:00:00 |
Case study PH7: For pharmacists. Managing osteoporosis |
Patient presents to discuss her risk of osteoporosis. Her mother has just been diagnosed osteoporosis following a fractured neck of femur. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2003-02-01 00:00:00 |
NPS Community Update 32 |
preventing osteoporosis new NPS pharmacy resources Sneezesafe working with NPS NPS Medicines List iPhone app CHF report new translated medicines article |
Consumer publication - Community Update | Consumers | 2011-08-23 00:00:00 |
Denosumab (Prolia) for postmenopausal osteoporosis |
Information about denosumab, a new biological agent for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2010-12-01 00:00:00 |
Clinical audit: Reducing risk of osteoporotic fractures and falls |
How are you managing your patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are at risk of osteoporosis? Review 10 patients |
Professional activity - Clinical audit | Health Professionals | 2011-07-01 00:00:00 |
Exercise and healthy bones throughout your life |
Exercise, calcium & vitamin D are vital for healthy, strong bones. Read how strong bones are built in childhood & learn about the exercises adults can do to maintain healthy bones |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-11-22 00:00:00 |
Extended PBS listings for zoledronic acid 5mg (Aclasta) |
Extended PBS listings for zoledronic acid 5mg (Aclasta) effective 1 April 2010. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item | Health Professionals | 2010-04-01 00:00:00 |
Independent reviews of new medicines for diabetes, osteoporosis and pain relief |
The latest edition of NPS Medicine Update is out now and provides consumers with independent reviews of new medicines |
Media release | Others | 2011-01-07 19:00:00 |
Latest edition of Australian Prescriber out now |
The December edition of Australian Prescriber, out now |
Media release | Others | 2011-12-01 19:00:00 |
Lifestyle changes and post-fracture treatment can improve osteoporosis outcomes |
New education program for health professionals which aims to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures in their patients. |
Media release | Others | 2007-08-30 00:00:00 |
Managing those at risk of osteoporotic fractures: new NPS clinical audit |
GPs and GP registrars can now participate in the latest NPS clinical audit on reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures and falls |
Media release | Others | 2011-07-19 19:00:00 |
Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis - preventing fractures in people with very fragile bones (low bone mineral density) |
Information for consumers about the drug Alendronate for preventing fractures in people with very fragile bones (low bone mineral density) and osteoporosis. |
Consumer publication - Medicine Update | Consumers | 2008-01-01 00:00:00 |
Strontium ranelate (Protos) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women |
Information for consumers about strontium ranelate (Protos) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. |
Consumer publication - Medicine Update | Consumers | 2008-04-01 00:00:00 |
Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) for osteoporosis |
Information for consumers about zoledronic acid (Aclasta), a new treatment for osteoporosis. This treatment is used only once a year, and is given through a drip into a vein. |
Consumer publication - Medicine Update | Consumers | 2009-04-01 00:00:00 |
Medicines to prevent osteoporosis; will they help you? |
People who are at most risk of a fracture are those most likely to benefit from medicines for osteoporosis. |
Media release | Others | 2007-04-01 00:00:00 |
Multifaceted approach best for assessing osteoporotic fracture risk: NPS |
NPS has released a new education program for health professionals - Reducing osteoporotic fracture risk and building healthy bones encouraging use of a multifaceted approach to help identify those most at risk of osteoporotic fractures and target interventions accordingly. |
Media release | Others | 2011-06-22 19:00:00 |
New osteoporosis medicine information for consumers |
People seeking treatment for osteoporosis can now download accurate, evidence-based information about medicines, courtesy of the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS). |
Media release | Others | 2008-04-10 19:00:00 |
Lifestyle interventions for improving bone health |
Quick guide to lifestyle interventions for preventing osteoporosis and reducing fracture risk. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2008-06-18 00:00:00 |
Evaulating new drugs |
Tips for GPs on how to interpret pharmaceutical company materials in order to make educated decisions about prescribing new drugs |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2002-12-01 00:00:00 |
Osteoporotic fracture prevention |
Ways to identify and modify risks associated with osteoporosis and fractures in men and women. Drug therapy includes HRT, oestrogen receptor modulators and bisphosphonates |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2003-02-01 00:00:00 |
NPS News 32 (insert): Information for patients on hormone replacement therapy |
After widespread media coverage of research in 2002, many women stopped using hormone replacement therapy. Was this really necessary? How big are the risks? This leaflet provides information for women based on a careful consideration of recent research. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2004-02-01 00:00:00 |
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) |
Reviews potential risks associated with hormone replacement therapy with reference to breast cancer and osteoporosis. Complementary / alternative therapies examined. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2004-02-01 00:00:00 |
Osteoporotic fractures - Maintain bone health |
Examines the use of bisphosphonates and lifestyle changes for preventing osteoporosis and reducing fracture risk. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2007-08-01 00:00:00 |
NPS News 64 (Insert): Compounded and 'bioidentical' hormones |
Overview of the claims and evidence for complementary therapies for managing menopausal symptoms |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
Vitamin D deficiency - Who's at risk? Who needs supplements? |
Provides information on who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, when vitamin D testing is of value and appropriate supplementation in those identified as being deficient |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2011-04-01 00:00:00 |
Osteoporosis - Reducing fracture risk |
Outlines ways to detect those at risk of osteoporotic fracture, and interventions to reduce the risk of new or further fractures. Building healthy bones and fracture prevention are key to managing osteoporosis. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2011-09-12 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 14: Hormone replacement therapy |
Information on the benefits and risks associated with the use of HRT, advice on choosing an appropriate regimen and how to manage adverse effects. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2001-10-01 00:00:00 |
Preventing osteoporosis and reducing risk of fracture |
Information on preventing osteoporosis and reducing fracture risk through the use of physical activity, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and the use of anti-osteoporotic drugs, with bisphosphonates as first-line therapy. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2007-09-01 00:00:00 |
Menopause symptoms |
Advice on choosing appropriate HRT regimen and how to manage adverse effects. Benefits and risks associated with managing menopausal symptoms |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2009-09-01 00:00:00 |
Reduce osteoporotic fractures, build healthy bones |
Provides info on preventing osteoporosis fractures, building healthy bones and identifying fracture risk by multiple interventions to the most at risk. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2011-06-29 00:00:00 |
Nurse Update June 2011 |
Info for nurses about new medicines issues including updates on NPS publications, resources and activities. |
Professional publication - Nurse Update | Health Professionals | 2011-06-14 00:00:00 |
Incidence and avoidance of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with use of bisphosphonates |
Information on osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonate use in osteoporosis, Paget's disease and malignancy. Risk factors such as dental extraction are discussed. |
Professional publication - NPS factsheet | Health Professionals | 2007-12-12 00:00:00 |
Clinical audit: Reducing risk of osteoporotic fractures and falls |
How are you managing your patients who are at risk of osteoporosis? Review 10 patients |
Professional activity - Clinical audit | Health Professionals | 2011-07-01 00:00:00 |
Articles on osteoporosis drugs from NPS RADAR |
Get independent, accurate, evidence-based info on osteoporosis drugs. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals. |
Topic overview | Health Professionals | 2009-10-28 00:00:00 |
Osteoporosis - a bone of contention: findings from a clinical audit. Poster NMS 2008 |
Results of a clinical audit offered to general practitioners in 2007. Data on fracture risk assessment, risk factor management, drugs used and adherance were collected. Heaney A, ORiordan S, Parsons H, Mackson J. National Medicines Symposium, 14-16 May 2008, Canberra, Australia. |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-05-16 00:00:00 |
Osteoporosis: you can 'break' the fracture cycle |
Ensuring children and adolescents get plenty of exercise, sufficient calcium and vitamin D may reduce fractures in later life and good medication management for osteoporosis. |
Media release | Others | 2007-09-04 00:00:00 |
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 47: Managing menopausal symptoms |
Information on the benefits and risks associated with the management of menopausal symptoms, advice on choosing an appropriate regimen and how to manage adverse effects. |
Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review | Health Professionals | 2009-09-01 00:00:00 |
Preventing osteoporotic fractures: high risk patients most likely to benefit |
The higher the absolute risk of fracture, the greater the benefit from treatment. |
Media release | Others | 2007-04-01 00:00:00 |
Products and regimens for hormone replacement therapy |
Overview of the products and regimens for hormone replacement therapies for managing menopausal symptoms |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2009-10-06 00:00:00 |
Risedronate sodium (Actonel) and risedronate sodium with calcium carbonate (Actonel Combi) listing for osteoporosis in patients at high risk of fracture |
The PBS restriction for risedronate was extended o allow the treatment of osteoporosis among patients aged 70 years or older with low bone mineral density scores but without an existing minimal trauma fracture. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item | Health Professionals | 2007-08-01 00:00:00 |
Strong bones, healthy bones |
You need three things for strong, healthy bones calcium, exercise and vitamin D. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2012-01-17 00:00:00 |
Strontium ranelate (Protos) for postmenopausal osteoporosis |
Reviews use of strontium ranelate for postmenopausal osteoporosis, with emphasis on reducing risk of fracture. |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2007-11-01 00:00:00 |
Teriparatide (Forteo) for severe osteoporosis |
Information on use of teriparatide (Forteo) for severe osteoporosis |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) for osteoporosis |
Information about use of Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) in established osteoporosis |
Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review | Health Professionals | 2009-04-01 00:00:00 |
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Osteoporosis
Date published: 2010-12-17 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
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