As of 1 November 2010, alendronate (Adronat, Alendrobell, Alendro Once Weekly, Fosamax Once Weekly, Ossmax) and its combinations with calcium and/or cholecalciferol (Dronalen Plus, Fosamax Plus, Fosamax Plus D-Cal) may be prescribed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Patients can only receive one PBS-subsidised anti-resorptive agent at a time.
This extension to the streamlined authority listing is for treating people who are currently receiving long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy (≥ 7.5 mg daily of prednisolone or equivalent for ≥ 3 months) and have a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ –1.5.1
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended the extended listing for alendronate on a cost minimisation basis — that is, similar efficacy and cost — compared with risedronate.1
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