Embargoed 1 August 2006

Despite Australia’s sunny climate, some Australians are not getting enough vitamin D, which works with calcium to ensure healthy bones.

Elderly people who are housebound, people who live in residential facilities, or who spend most of their time indoors have the highest risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Dr Peter Roush, of the National Prescribing Service, spoke about vitamin D deficiency as NPS RADAR released an article on a medicine for osteoporosis (alendronate), which is now also available in a combined tablet that includes vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

Alendronate is available in a generic form (Alendro), as well as under the brand name Fosamax. The new medicine is called Fosamax Plus.

‘This medicine, which is given as a weekly dose, isn’t enough on its own to treat or prevent vitamin D deficiency in high-risk groups,’ Dr Roush said.

‘If you are vitamin D deficient, you need a bigger supplement than this. But, if you need a high-dose supplement and are taking alendronate already, you could use this combination medicine to provide part of your weekly vitamin D requirement, along with other vitamin D supplements, to help you save money,’ he said.

The medicine is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for people with osteoporosis who have already had a fracture. Doctors must obtain an authority to prescribe this medication.

For people who are not at high-risk of deficiency, simple lifestyle changes could be all you need to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Sources of vitamin D are fatty fish, eggs and liver, and some fortified milks and margarines, yet most Australians won’t get enough from their diet alone.

‘Because sunlight is the major source of vitamin D, limited, safe exposure to sunlight, might be all you need.

‘If you are concerned about vitamin D deficiency, before you take a supplement, ask your doctor if it is really necessary,’ Dr Roush said.

NPS RADAR provides independent information about new medicines and changes to PBS listings important to GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals involved in primary care management of patients.