Denosumab Can Benefit Patients with Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

A study comparing denosumab (Prolia) with risedronate (Actonel) found that denosumab could be a useful treatment option for patients newly initiating or continuing glucocorticoids who are at risk of fractures.

It is the first study to show that denosumab can increase bone mineral density at both the spine and the hip in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the most common form of secondary osteoporosis and is associated with an estimated annual fracture rate of 5%, according to a recent study in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Glucocorticoids are used in autoimmune conditions, rheumatological diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory diseases like asthma and gastrointestinal disorders.

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