Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing CoE). Raloxifene and bazedoxifene for 36 months or more
in the United States. reduced radiographic vertebral but not clinical fractures (low
to moderate CoE). Abaloparatide, teriparatide, and sequen-
Purpose: To evaluate low bone mass and osteoporosis treat-
tial romosozumab, then alendronate, may be more effective
ments to prevent fractures.
than bisphosphonates in reducing clinical fractures for 17 to
Data Sources: Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Ovid Evidence Based 24 months in older postmenopausal females at very high
Medicine Reviews: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled fracture risk (low to moderate CoE). Bisphosphonates may
Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and reduce clinical fractures in older females with low bone mass
ClinicalTrials.gov from 2014 through February 2022. (low CoE) and radiographic vertebral fractures in males with
Study Selection: Adults receiving eligible interventions for osteoporosis (low to moderate CoE).
low bone mass or osteoporosis. Randomized controlled trials Limitation: Few studies examined participants with low bone
(RCTs) for fracture outcomes, and RCTs and large observational
mass, males, or Black-identifying persons, sequential therapy,
studies (n ≥1000) for harms.
or treatment beyond 3 years.
Data Extraction: Abstracted by 1 reviewer and verified by a
Conclusion: Bisphosphonates, denosumab, abaloparatide,
second. Independent, dual assessments of risk of bias and
teriparatide, and romosozumab, followed by alendronate,
certainty of evidence (CoE).
reduce clinical fractures in postmenopausal females with osteo-
Data Synthesis: We included 34 RCTs (in 100 publications) porosis. Abaloparatide and teriparatide increased WAEs;
and 36 observational studies. Bisphosphonates and denosumab longer duration bisphosphonate use may increase AFF and
reduced hip, clinical and radiographic vertebral, and other clini- ONJ risk though these events were rare.
cal fractures in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis (mod-
erate to high CoE). Bisphosphonates for 36 months or more Primary Funding Source: American College of Physicians.
may increase the risk for atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and (PROSPERO: CRD42021236220)
osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), but the absolute risks were low.
Abaloparatide and teriparatide reduced clinical and radio- Ann Intern Med. doi:10.7326/M22-0684 Annals.org
graphic vertebral fractures but increased the risk for with- For author, article, and disclosure information, see end of text.
drawals due to adverse events (WAEs; moderate to high This article was published at Annals.org on 3 January 2023.
Reviews: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Data Synthesis and Analysis
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials. When data were sufficient, we conducted quantitative
gov from 2014 through February 2022. We used a prior syntheses using pairwise meta-analysis (all outcomes from
review (5) to identify studies published before 2014. Search RCTs and specific harms from observational studies) and
strategies were developed in consultation with a librarian and NMA (RCTs only). All outcomes were binary, with risk ratios
peer reviewed by another using the Peer Review of Search (RRs) and risk differences as the effect measures. We narra-
Strategies guidelines (6) (Search Strategy in the Supplement, tively synthesized all other outcomes.
available at Annals.org). For pairwise meta-analyses, we used a random-
effects model based on the profile likelihood method to
Study Selection combine each outcome (10). We stratified analyses by
We included English-language randomized controlled treatment and study duration (12 to <36 or ≥36 months)
trials (RCTs) in females or males with low bone mass or and evaluated statistical heterogeneity using the Cochran
osteoporosis not due to a secondary cause (for example, x 2 test and the I2 statistic (11). We separately analyzed the
glucocorticoid therapy) comparing 1 or more pharmaco- following populations: postmenopausal females, males with
logic interventions of interest to each other or placebo. osteoporosis, and those with low bone mass. We also con-
Included interventions were bisphosphonates (alendro- ducted sensitivity analyses by excluding mixed gender stud-
nate, ibandronate, risedronate, and zoledronate), parathy- ies that did not stratify their results.
roid hormones (PTHs; abaloparatide and teriparatide), For NMAs, we tested network consistency by comparing
receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand inhibitors (deno- direct and indirect estimates, the node-splitting method, and
sumab), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs; an overall test from an inconsistency model (11). We restricted
raloxifene and bazedoxifene), and sclerostin inhibitors (romo- NMAs to only postmenopausal females with osteoporosis
sozumab). Although our initial protocol included vitamin to improve the plausibility of the transitivity assumption.
D and calcium as eligible interventions and comparators, Although limited data were available to form closed loops
we ultimately relied on a recent, high-quality systematic and test the consistency assumption in the treatment net-
review to summarize effectiveness and harms (details in works, there was no evidence of inconsistency. Therefore,
the Supplement), and combined vitamin D and calcium multivariate random-effects NMAs were conducted to
comparators with other placebo comparisons as all partic- combine the direct and indirect evidence using a consis-
tency model (11). All analyses were conducted using
ipants received or used these supplements in studies with
Stata/SE 16.1 (StataCorp). In this manuscript, we focused
supplementation.
on comparisons with placebo and bisphosphonates and
We included RCTs reporting fractures as efficacy out-
comes (rather than safety outcomes) with 12 months or direct head-to-head comparisons if they were statistically
more of follow-up. Adverse events (AEs) of interest significantly different (see the Supplement for indirect
included serious AEs (SAEs) and withdrawals due to AEs comparisons).
(WAEs) as reported in trials, osteonecrosis of the jaw Through consultation with our TEP and evaluation of
(ONJ), atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), and atrial fibril- statistical heterogeneity, we determined it was appropri-
lation (AF). Case–control and cohort studies were eligi- ate to combine bisphosphonates as a drug class in our
ble if they were large (n > = 1000) and evaluated ONJ, meta-analyses and NMAs, which was also done by other
AFFs, or AF. We also included studies reporting quality reviews (12, 13). Due to a limited number of eligible stud-
of life (QoL) and functionality, and systematic reviews on ies for drugs in other classes, we did not combine those
cost-effectiveness and patient values and preferences therapies in our analyses.
(details in the Supplement). We assigned fracture and harm outcomes a certainty of
Two independent reviewers screened studies, with evidence (CoE) rating based on the system developed by
disagreements settled by a third. the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
Development and Evaluation) Working Group (14, 15) for
Data Extraction and Quality Assessment pairwise (direct) and NMA estimates. When interpreting
One reviewer abstracted study characteristics and effect sizes, we prioritized NMA estimates unless the pair-
outcomes data and a second verified accuracy. The pri- wise estimate was higher CoE. This systematic review will
mary fracture reduction outcomes of interest were hip, be maintained as a living review with periodic literature
vertebral (clinical or radiological), clinical nonvertebral searches and updates as new studies emerge. We will
(symptomatic fractures at sites beyond the vertebrae, consider quantitative and qualitative factors, such as CoE,
which typically excluded minor fractures such as those of balance between benefits and harms, and contextual con-
the digits), and any clinical fractures (a composite of clini- siderations in assessing whether the new evidence may
cal vertebral and nonvertebral factures). lead to meaningful changes to the recommendations and
Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias an update is warranted. The ACP CGC may decide to
(RoB) of included studies using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 retire the topic from living status if it is no longer consid-
tool for RCTs (7) and SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate ered a priority for decision making, when there is confi-
Guidelines Network) checklists 3 and 4 for cohort and dence that conclusions are not likely to change with new
case–control studies (8, 9), with disagreements settled by evidence, or if it becomes unlikely that new evidence will
a third reviewer. emerge.
2 Annals of Internal Medicine Annals.org
Any Clinical Fractures. Between 12 and fewer than Atypical Femoral or Subtrochanteric Fractures. We
36 months, all treatments except denosumab demonstrated included 23 studies (in 29 publications) that evaluated an
Annals.org Annals of Internal Medicine 3
Table 1. Overview of Findings for Critical Outcomes in Postmenopausal Females With Osteoporosis by Study Duration and Comparison*
Outcome 12 to <36 mo ≥36 mo to ≤60 mo
Versus Placebo CoE Versus BPs CoE Versus Placebo CoE Versus BPs CoE
Bisphosphonates
Hip fractures 0.65 (0.43–0.97)† * — — 0.64 (0.50–0.82)† — —
Clinical vertebral fractures 0.46 (0.24–0.89)† — — 0.38 (0.24–0.62)† — —
Any clinical fractures 0.68 (0.51–0.92)† — — 0.79 (0.68–0.91)† — —
Radiographic vertebral fractures 0.44 (0.36–0.53)† * — — 0.49 (0.40–0.61)† — —
Serious AEs 1.02 (0.85–1.22) * — — 1.00 (0.89–1.11) — —
Withdrawal due to AEs 1.01 (0.72–1.40) ** — — 0.94 (0.86–1.03) — —
Specific harms from randomized and nonrandomized studies (vs. placebo or unexposed)
Atypical femoral fractures Increased risk after 3–5 y of use j Overall CoE: **
Osteonecrosis of the jaw Increased risk after 2–3 y of use j Overall CoE: **
Atrial fibrillation No difference j Overall CoE: **
RANKL inhibitors
Denosumab
Hip fractures — — — — 0.61 (0.37–0.98)† * 0.94 (0.55–1.62) **
Clinical vertebral fractures Unclear *** Unclear *** 0.32 (0.21–0.48)†‡ 0.82 (0.33–2.06) **
Any clinical fractures 1.00 (0.48–2.09) ** Unclear *** 0.81 (0.69–0.96)†‡ * 1.03 (0.74–1.45) *
Radiographic vertebral fractures 0.27 (0.14–0.52)† * Unclear *** 0.32 (0.20–0.54)† * 0.66 (0.38–1.14) **
Serious AEs 0.98 (0.66–1.46) * Unclear *** 1.03 (0.83–1.27) * 1.03 (0.82–1.31) *
Withdrawal due to AEs Unclear *** Unclear *** 1.15 (0.85–1.54) * 1.21 (0.89–1.65) **
Specific harms from randomized and nonrandomized studies (vs. placebo or unexposed)
Atrial fibrillation No difference j Overall CoE: **
Sclerosin inhibitors
Romosozumab
Hip fractures — — — — — — — —
Clinical vertebral fractures 0.18 (0.05–0.62)† * 0.38 (0.09–1.57) ** — — — —
Any clinical fractures 0.64 (0.47–0.89)†‡ * 0.94 (0.51–1.76) ** — — — —
Radiographic vertebral fractures 0.27 (0.16–0.47)† * 0.62 (0.35–1.11) ** — — — —
Serious AEs 1.10 (0.95–1.27)‡ * 1.08 (0.78–1.52) ** — — — —
Withdrawal due to AEs 0.88 (0.59–1.31) ** 0.87 (0.52–1.47) ** — — — —
Specific harms from randomized and nonrandomized studies (vs. placebo or unexposed)
Atypical femoral fractures Unclear ***
Osteonecrosis of the jaw Unclear ***
SERMs
Bazedoxifene
Hip fractures — — — — 0.93 (0.47–1.81 ** 1.44 (0.70–2.95) **
Clinical vertebral fractures — — — — 0.68 (0.29–1.60) * 1.76 (0.66–4.70) **
Any clinical fractures — — — — 0.88 (0.64–1.22) ** 1.12 (0.79–1.59) **
Radiographic vertebral fractures — — — — 0.59 (0.43–0.79)†‡ * 1.20 (0.70–2.06) **
Serious AEs — — — — 1.07 (0.85–1.34) * 1.07 (0.83–1.38) *
Withdrawal due to AEs — — — — 1.14 (1.01–1.30)† * 1.21 (1.04–1.41)† *
Raloxifene
Hip fractures — — — — 1.12 (0.64–1.94) ** 1.73 (0.95–3.18) **
Clinical vertebral fractures 0.05 (0.00–0.81)† ** Unclear *** 0.69 (0.38–1.27) * Unclear ***
Any clinical fractures 0.11 (0.02–0.54)† * 0.17 (0.03–0.81)† * 0.92 (0.72–1.16) * 1.16 (0.88–1.53) **
Radiographic vertebral fractures Unclear *** Unclear *** 0.59 (0.48–0.71)†‡ * 1.18 (0.78–1.81) **
Serious AEs Unclear *** Unclear *** 0.99 (0.78–1.26) * 1.00 (0.77–1.30) *
Withdrawal due to AEs Unclear *** Unclear *** 1.14 (1.02–1.27)† 1.21 (1.05–1.39)† *
Table 1–Continued
Outcome 12 to <36 mo ≥36 mo to ≤60 mo
Versus Placebo CoE Versus BPs CoE Versus Placebo CoE Versus BPs CoE
Sequential therapy of
romosozumab to alendronate
Hip fractures 0.40 (0.23–0.70)† * 0.62 (0.42–0.91† * — — — —
Clinical vertebral fractures 0.19 (0.08–0.46)† * 0.41 (0.22–0.75)† * — — — —
Any clinical fractures 0.51 (0.29–0.89)† ** 0.74 (0.63–0.89)†‡ * — — — —
Radiographic vertebral fractures 0.22 (0.16–0.31)† * 0.51 (0.39–0.66)† * — — — —
Serious AEs 0.97 (0.71–1.33 * 0.96 (0.74–1.24) * — — — —
Withdrawal due to AEs 0.90 (0.61–1.35) ** 0.90 (0.72–1.13) * — — — —
Specific harms from randomized and nonrandomized studies (vs. placebo or unexposed)
Atypical femoral fractures Unclear ***
Osteonecrosis of the jaw Unclear ***
AE = adverse event; BP = bisphosphonate; CoE = certainty of evidence; Unclear = insufficient evidence from which to draw summary estimates.
GRADE Certainty of Evidence: — = no evidence; *** = insufficient; ** = low; * = moderate; = high.
* Shaded rows are harm outcomes. Details of the findings and CoE ratings can be found in Appendix Tables 1 to 138.
† Values are statistically significant.
‡ Estimates are from pairwise rather than network meta-analysis due to higher CoE.
eligible intervention for risk for AFFs; 10 were RCTs (17, after 2 to 3 years of exposure, though, like AFFs, ONJ
27, 28, 32, 34, 39, 42–44, 48) and 13 were observational events were rare (unadjusted incidence, 0.01% to 0.3%
studies (117, 120, 122, 125, 127, 129, 134, 135, 138, of bisphosphonate users). Of note, in our adjusted meta-
139, 145, 146, 150). analysis of 5 observational studies with sufficient data
Among 15 studies that compared bisphosphonates (116, 124, 133, 140, 144), we found a more than 3-fold
with placebo or unexposed participants, we found low significantly increased risk for ONJ in those exposed to
CoE for an increased risk for AFFs, particularly after 3 to 5 bisphosphonates versus unexposed (adjusted RR, 3.37
years of treatment though AFF events were infrequent in [CI, 1.91 to 5.24]). One additional study of note from
most studies. The most pertinent data on AFF risk came South Korea found similarly high odds (adjusted odds ra-
from observational studies, as RCTs were underpowered tio, 3.26 [CI, 1.23 to 8.62]) with 2 or more years of
or had inadequate follow-up to ascertain risk. Clinical and bisphosphonate use compared with less than 1 year, but
statistical heterogeneity prevented us from combining no difference for those exposed 1 to 2 years (148).
observational studies. Of note, 4 studies evaluated dura- Several eligible studies evaluated other treatments
tion of bisphosphonate use. Three of these cohorts (117, and found no or few events of ONJ or no significant dif-
129, 150) (all in California) found AFF risk became more ference in risk between groups (see Appendix Table 16
of the Supplement).
pronounced after 3 years of bisphosphonate use and
increased with time (Appendix Table 28 of the Supplement).
Atrial Fibrillation. We included 17 studies (28, 34,
One (117) also observed that females who identified as
37, 40, 43, 53, 119, 121, 123, 126, 128, 131, 136, 142,
Asian, compared with non-Hispanic White, had higher 147, 149, 151) (in 24 publications) that evaluated an eli-
risk for AFFs (595 vs. 109 per 100 000 person-years). gible intervention and, in general, found no significant
The fourth study (122), in a Canadian cohort, found a difference between treatment and placebo or active con-
statistically significant difference in AFFs only after 5 or trols for risk for AF (insufficient to low CoE; Appendix
more years of using bisphosphonates. Four other obser- Table 17 of the Supplement).
vational studies found a 26- to 55-fold greater risk for an
AFF with bisphosphonate use, but these studies were Other Adverse Events. Bisphosphonates were most
not limited to females with osteoporosis and adjusted associated with nonspecific symptoms, such as pyrexia and
for few confounders in their models (120, 139). Several myalgia, especially after treatment initiation (Appendix
RCTs and observational studies evaluated other treat- Table 18 of the Supplement). In the HORIZON-PFT (Health
ments and found either no or few AFFs or no significant Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic acid
differences between groups (Appendix Table 15) of the Once Yearly–Pivotal Fracture Trial) trial and extension study,
Supplement). participants receiving zoledronate, compared with placebo,
experienced increased serum creatinine greater than 44.2
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Overall, we included 22 μmol/L (0.5 mg/dL) at significantly higher rates, but absolute
studies (in 33 publications) that evaluated an eligible numbers were low (28).
intervention for risk for ONJ: 11 RCTs (17, 27, 28, 32–34, SERMs were more frequently associated with vasodi-
39, 42–44, 48) and 11 observational studies (116, 118, latory events such as hot flashes. Several studies noted endo-
124, 130, 133, 137, 140, 141, 144, 146, 148). metrial cavity fluid collections in participants on SERMs, but
Among 14 studies that compared bisphosphonates to no differences in rates of endometrial carcinoma (54). Two
placebo or unexposed persons, we found low CoE for trials (29, 55) found a greater risk for deep venous thrombo-
increased risk for ONJ with bisphosphonate use, particularly sis among participants taking SERMs than placebo, but
Annals.org Annals of Internal Medicine 5
events were rare. Abaloparatide and teriparatide led to these studies (139). For other harms, zoledronate seemed
more adverse gastrointestinal effects (particularly nausea) to increase the likelihood of pyrexia (35, 43, 53), myalgias
compared with placebo, and 2 studies noted hypercalcemia (35, 53), and arthralgia (35, 43). One RCT (16, 50) found
as more common for these medications compared with that alendronate significantly decreased the likelihood of
placebo (41) and bisphosphonate (45), but again, hypercalciuria (4.4% vs. 15.1%; P = 0.04; Appendix Table
events were relatively rare (Appendix Table 18 of the 18 of the Supplement).
Supplement). Romosozumab carries a black box warn-
ing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Duration and Sequence of Treatment
based on a trial showing increased cardiovascular event Three extension studies from 2 RCTs comparing
risk compared with alendronate (HR, 1.87 [CI, 1.11 to bisphosphonates with placebo provide direct evidence
3.14]) (44, 152), though this risk was not observed in a about the comparative effects of continuing or discontin-
placebo-controlled trial (HR, 1.03 [CI, 0.62 to 1.72) (42). uing bisphosphonates after 3 to 5 years of treatment (56,
77, 84). No studies directly compared durations of other
Participants with Low Bone Mass treatments. Continuing alendronate from 5 to 10 years
We only identified 2 RCTs examining participants reduced clinical vertebral fractures (RR, 0.45 [CI, 0.24 to
with low bone mass and found low CoE that bisphospho- 0.85]), but not radiographic vertebral or other clinical
nates reduced several fracture outcomes based mostly fractures (56). Continuing zoledronate from 3 to 6 years
on a 72-month placebo-controlled trial in females aged reduced radiographic vertebral (odds ratio, 0.51 [CI,
65 years or older. In this trial, zoledronate was associated 0.26 to 0.95]), but not other, fractures (77). The reduction
with a lower risk for clinical (HR, 0.73 [CI, 0.60 to 0.90]; in vertebral fracture risk was most pronounced in females
adjusted RR, 6.8%), nonvertebral (HR, 0.66 [CI, 0.51 to at higher risk for fracture based on low BMD or prior frac-
0.85]), and vertebral (HR, 0.45 [CI, 0.27 to 0.73]) fractures ture (82). Furthermore, continuing zoledronate from 6 to
9 years was not associated with additional fracture risk
(46). The other RCT compared alendronate with placebo
reduction (84).
in male and female octogenarians but was high RoB,
We found very limited trial evidence examining the
was small (n = 123), and did not substantively contrib-
effects of sequential therapy on fracture outcomes. The
ute to findings (49) (Appendix Figure 1 and Appendix
ARCH (Active-Controlled Fracture Study in Postmenopausal
Figure 2, and Appendix Table 19, of the Supplement). Women with Osteoporosis at High Risk of Fracture) study
In the limited data, harms were similar between groups. found that romosozumab (12 months) followed by alendro-
nate (12 months) was superior to 24 months of alendronate
Males With Osteoporosis
in reducing all fracture outcomes. The FRAME (Fracture
We included 10 studies (16, 20, 35, 36, 43, 50, 53,
138, 139, 143), all of bisphosphonates, that exclusively Study in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis) study
studied males with osteoporosis or stratified results by compared romosozumab with placebo for 1 year followed
sex: 6 placebo-controlled RCTs (Appendix Table 20 of by an additional 12 months during which both groups
the Supplement) (16, 20, 35, 36, 43, 53) and 4 observa- received denosumab (42). Although its results suggest that
tional studies in 3 publications (138, 139, 143). We found treatment gains from the first year of romosozumab use are
low to moderate CoE that bisphosphonates reduced ra- likely to be maintained after transitioning to denosumab, it
diographic vertebral fractures by 61% at 24 months (3 was not designed to test the incremental benefit of this
RCTs; RR, 0.39 [CI, 0.22 to 0.83]) and 58% at 36 months sequence of therapies compared with denosumab use
(1 RCT; RR, 0.42 [CI, 0.19 to 0.97]). No trial evaluated hip alone for the entire study period. We also identified a study
fractures, and bisphosphonates did not significantly examining teriparatide for 72 weeks followed by alendro-
reduce any other fracture outcomes (insufficient to mod- nate for 48 weeks, compared with 120 weeks of alendro-
erate CoE; Appendix Table 21 and Appendix Figures nate; however, results of the sequential portion of the study
130 to 137 of the Supplement). are not yet published (153).
For SAEs, WAEs, ONJ, and AF, in general, no signifi-
cant differences were observed between bisphosphonate Treatment Effects According to Participant
and placebo or unexposed groups (Appendix Table 22 Characteristics
and Appendix Figures 138 to 144 of the Supplement). Table 2 illustrates which treatments have similar effi-
However, findings were mixed in 3 observational studies cacy across subgroups. Of note, relative treatment effects
that evaluated risk for AFFs. One study (138), using did not differ by fracture risk, though risk definitions and
Veterans Health Administration data, found that using inclusion criteria varied by study (Appendix Table 23 of
bisphosphonates 1 to 4 and 4 or more years reduced the the Supplement). Osteoporosis treatment was similarly
risk for AFFs by 51% and 60%, respectively (adjusted HR effective in participants aged 75 years and older (Appendix
[aHR], 0.49 [CI, 0.28 to 0.86] and aHR, 0.40 [CI, 0.16 to Table 24 of the Supplement). Most trials excluded partici-
0.97]), but use for less than 1 year increased risk (aHR, pants with the equivalent of chronic kidney disease stage 4
1.70 [CI, 1.08 to 2.68]). The other 2 studies from Sweden or worse (Appendix Table 25 of the Supplement), but there
found large increased AFF risk in bisphosphonate users is evidence that zoledronate, alendronate, and denosumab
(19- to 54-fold greater risk); however, estimates were very are effective in persons with mild to moderate chronic kid-
imprecise, and we previously highlighted limitations of ney disease.
6 Annals of Internal Medicine Annals.org
Versus placebo
Bisphosphonates 12 to <36 ZOL* 37, 43 Unclear — Unclear — ZOL 40
ALN 49
≥36 ZOL 28, 72 ZOL 46, 56, 72 ZOL† 72 RIS 75
ALN 27
RIS* 24 RIS* 59 ZOL 72 ZOL* 46, 72
Abaloparatide 12 to <36 * 41, 42 * 42 Unclear — * 42, 98, 102
≥36 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
Teriparatide 12 to <36 * 41 Unclear — Unclear — * 31, 73, 81
† 26, 31
≥36 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
Denosumab 12 to <36 † 39 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
≥36 * 65, 87 * 34, 65, 87 † 65 * 65, 87
65
Romosozumab 12 to <36 † 52 * 42, 112 Unclear — Unclear —
≥36 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
Raloxifene 12 to <36 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
≥36 † 55 † 55 Unclear — Unclear —
Bazedoxifene 12 to <36 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
≥36 † 85 Unclear — Unclear — Unclear —
Versus bisphosphonate
Teriparatide versus 12 to <36 * 45, 99 Unclear — * 45, 99 * 45, 99
risedronate
Romosozumab to 12 to < 36 * 44, 45, 99 Unclear — Unclear — * 44
alendronate versus
alendronate
ALN = alendronate; RIS = risedronate; ZOL = zoledronate; = Effective: To be listed as effective within a given subgroup, the treatment had to be
effective in improving 1 or more fracture outcomes in our network meta-analyses of the primary trials (that is, a treatment that was effective in a post
hoc subgroup analysis or in a single trial, but not in the overall collection of studies analyzed, would not be listed in this table as effective), and
include a population in which most participants have the risk factor in question, and/or be shown to be similarly effective in participants with and
without the risk factor in question (usually through post hoc subgroup analyses demonstrating a treatment–risk factor interaction term with P >
0.10); Unclear = no studies in which most participants in the parent trial had characteristic of interest, and no subgroup analyses reporting treatment
effects according to characteristic of interest; = not effective for any outcome studied.
* Effective for 1 or more clinical fracture outcomes.
† Effective, but only for radiographic vertebral fractures.
teriparatide stimulate bone formation; and romosozumab examining harms, additional trials of established treatments,
has both antiresorptive and anabolic properties. In theory, studies of persons with low bone mass, and the emergence
the sequencing of drugs with different mechanisms of of previously investigational drugs—romosozumab and
action could impact the degree and durability of treatment abaloparatide—as therapeutic options. Our findings are
effect. Findings from ARCH and FRAME suggest that treat- consistent with another recent review and NMA, though it
ment gains observed during the first year of romosozumab only focused on postmenopausal females with osteoporo-
treatment are likely to be maintained after transitioning to sis (161).
antiresorptive therapy, but neither trial was designed to Although we conducted an NMA, we did not provide
assess the incremental value of sequential therapy com- surface under the cumulative ranking curve ratings and
pared with no follow-on treatment. Outside of the scope of rank-order treatments because we identified few head-
our review, there is evidence that BMD gains from abalopara- to-head studies, which reduced the number of loops in our
tide and teriparatide may quickly dissipate after treatment dis- network and our confidence in the rank-order approach.
continuation (154), and that use of bisphosphonates after an Of note, we conferred with our expert panel and elected to
initial course of abaloparatide or teriparatide might help treat bisphosphonates as a drug class in the NMA due to
preserve BMD gains (155). The results of a trial reporting the comparable mechanisms of action and biological
sequential therapy with teriparatide then alendronate com- effects of bisphosphonates (162), our finding that RRs were
pared with alendronate alone are expected soon (153). similar across bisphosphonates in pairwise comparisons,
There have also been concerns raised about increased and to allow for more robust comparisons in the NMA.
bone turnover after discontinuation of (156)—or delayed In conclusion, bisphosphonates and denosumab were
treatment with (157)—denosumab, and some experts effective at significantly reducing hip, other clinical, and
vertebral fractures in postmenopausal females in studies
suggest following a course of denosumab with alternate
of 36 months or more (moderate to high CoE). Longer-
antiresorptive treatment (156–158). We found no studies
duration treatment with bisphosphonates may be associ-
examining the fracture-reducing effects of anabolic ther-
ated with a significantly increased risk for ONJ and AFF
apy after antiresorptive therapy, but experts have warned (low CoE), but events were rare. Abaloparatide and teri-
against this sequence of treatment based on data from a paratide also significantly reduced clinical fractures and
study showing that females transitioning from denosu- radiographic vertebral fractures up to 24 months (low to
mab to teriparatide experienced reduced BMD, bone moderate CoE), but significantly increased the risk for
loss at the hip and radius, and accelerated bone remod- WAEs (low to moderate CoE). For longer-term fracture
eling (154, 159, 160). outcomes, SERMs reduced radiographic vertebral frac-
The optimal treatment duration is also unclear because tures (moderate CoE), but significantly increased the risk
most trials lasted 3 to 4 years at most, and, for all treat- for WAEs (moderate to high CoE). Sequential therapy for
ments other than bisphosphonates, there were no stud- romosozumab then alendronate, abaloparatide, and
ies directly comparing different treatment durations. teriparatide may be significantly more effective than
Extending bisphosphonate treatment to 6 or 10 years bisphosphonates in reducing clinical fractures for 12 to
may help reduce vertebral fracture risk in females at more than 36 months in older postmenopausal females
high risk for fracture (56, 77). However, this benefit at high fracture risk (low to moderate CoE). More com-
would need to be weighed against the nearly 3-fold parative effectiveness, sequential therapy, and longer-
increased risk for ONJ after 2 to 3 years of bisphospho- duration studies are needed, as well as more research
nate use and the risk for AFFs, which increased substan- in males, persons with low bone mass, and those identi-
tially after 3 to 5 years of use. Nevertheless, both harms fying as Black or African American.
were rare, and the absolute risk remained low.
Another limitation of this body of evidence is the From Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC),
generalizability of findings. Most studies were of post- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (C.A.);
menopausal White- or Asian-identifying female popula- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA
tions with osteoporosis; few studies analyzed other racial Portland Health Care System, Portland, and Division of General
and ethnic groups, those with low bone mass, and males. Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine,
Precise application of our findings is further limited Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon (D.K.);
because of inconsistent reporting of prior fracture type Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science
and frequency, type of prior osteoporosis medication University, Portland, Oregon (B.L.); Oregon Health & Science
use, and extensive exclusion criteria in some trials. University-Portland State University School of Public Health,
We took a similar approach to a prior review (5) used Portland, Oregon (R.F.); Division of General Internal Medicine &
to develop the previous ACP clinical practice guideline Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
on treatments for osteoporosis, but there are several dif- University, Portland, Oregon (A.K.); Division of General Internal
ferences. We conducted an NMA, set a minimum follow- Medicine & Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, and Center for
up period of 12 rather than 6 months, and focused on Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University,
participants with primary rather than primary and second- Portland, Oregon (C.H.)
ary osteoporosis. Although our findings about bisphos-
phonates, teriparatide, and SERMs were aligned with the Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the
prior review, the evidence has also evolved in the interim, authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S.
including publication of additional observational studies Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. government.
osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. Vertebral Efficacy With intervention randomized placebo controlled trial (DIRECT). J Clin
Risedronate Therapy (VERT) Study Group. JAMA. 1999;282:1344- Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99:2599-607. [PMID: 24646104] doi:10.
52. [PMID: 10527181] doi:10.1001/jama.282.14.1344 1210/jc.2013-4175
25. Ettinger B, Black DM, Mitlak BH, et al. Reduction of vertebral fracture 40. Greenspan SL, Perera S, Ferchak MA, et al. Efficacy and safety of
risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with raloxifene: single-dose zoledronic acid for osteoporosis in frail elderly women: a
results from a 3-year randomized clinical trial. Multiple Outcomes of randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175:913-21. [PMID:
Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) Investigators. JAMA. 1999;282:637-45. 25867538] doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.0747
[PMID: 10517716] doi:10.1001/jama.282.7.637 41. Miller PD, Hattersley G, Riis BJ, et al; ACTIVE Study Investigators.
26. Neer RM, Arnaud CD, Zanchetta JR, et al. Effect of parathyroid Effect of abaloparatide vs placebo on new vertebral fractures in post-
hormone (1-34) on fractures and bone mineral density in postmeno- menopausal women with osteoporosis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA.
pausal women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2001;344:1434-41. 2016;316:722-33. [PMID: 27533157] doi:10.1001/jama.2016.11136
[PMID: 11346808] doi:10.1056/NEJM200105103441904 42. Cosman F, Crittenden DB, Adachi JD, et al. Romosozumab treat-
27. Black DM, Cummings SR, Karpf DB, et al. Randomised trial of ment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med.
effect of alendronate on risk of fracture in women with existing ver- 2016;375:1532-43. [PMID: 27641143] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607948
tebral fractures. Fracture Intervention Trial Research Group. Lancet. 43. Nakamura T, Fukunaga M, Nakano T, et al. Efficacy and safety of
1996;348:1535-41. [PMID: 8950879] doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(96) once-yearly zoledronic acid in Japanese patients with primary osteo-
07088-2 porosis: two-year results from a randomized placebo-controlled dou-
28. Black DM, Delmas PD, Eastell R, et al; HORIZON Pivotal Fracture ble-blind study (ZOledroNate treatment in Efficacy to osteoporosis;
Trial. Once-yearly zoledronic acid for treatment of postmenopausal ZONE study). Osteoporos Int. 2017;28:389-98. [PMID: 27631091]
osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:1809-22. [PMID: 17476007] doi:10.1007/s00198-016-3736-y
doi:10.1056/NEJMoa067312 44. Saag KG, Petersen J, Brandi ML, et al. Romosozumab or alendro-
29. Silverman SL, Christiansen C, Genant HK, et al. Efficacy of bazedoxi- nate for fracture prevention in women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med.
fene in reducing new vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women 2017;377:1417-27. [PMID: 28892457] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1708322
with osteoporosis: results from a 3-year, randomized, placebo-, and 45. Kendler DL, Marin F, Zerbini CAF, et al. Effects of teriparatide
active-controlled clinical trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2008;23:1923-34. and risedronate on new fractures in post-menopausal women with
[PMID: 18665787] doi:10.1359/jbmr.080710 severe osteoporosis (VERO): a multicentre, double-blind, double-
30. Ringe JD, Farahmand P, Schacht E, et al. Superiority of a combined dummy, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391:230-40.
treatment of Alendronate and Alfacalcidol compared to the combina- [PMID: 29129436] doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32137-2
tion of Alendronate and plain vitamin D or Alfacalcidol alone in estab- 46. Reid IR, Horne AM, Mihov B, et al. Fracture prevention with zoledro-
lished postmenopausal or male osteoporosis (AAC-Trial). Rheumatol nate in older women with osteopenia. N Engl J Med. 2018;379:2407-
Int. 2007;27:425-34. [PMID: 17216477] doi:10.1007/s00296-006-0288-z 16. [PMID: 30575489] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1808082
31. Nakamura T, Sugimoto T, Nakano T, et al. Randomized Teriparatide 47. Liu Z, Li CW, Mao YF, et al. Study on zoledronic acid reducing
[human parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1-34] Once-Weekly Efficacy acute bone loss and fracture rates in elderly postoperative patients
Research (TOWER) trial for examining the reduction in new vertebral with intertrochanteric fractures. Orthop Surg. 2019;11:380-5. [PMID:
fractures in subjects with primary osteoporosis and high fracture risk. 31058448] doi:10.1111/os.12460
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97:3097-106. [PMID: 22723322] 48. Anastasilakis AD, Papapoulos SE, Polyzos SA, et al. Zoledronate
doi:10.1210/jc.2011-3479 for the prevention of bone loss in women discontinuing denosumab
32. Nakamura T, Nakano T, Ito M, et al; MOVER Study Group. treatment. A prospective 2-year clinical trial. J Bone Miner Res.
Clinical efficacy on fracture risk and safety of 0.5 mg or 1 mg/month 2019;34:2220-8. [PMID: 31433518] doi:10.1002/jbmr.3853
intravenous ibandronate versus 2.5 mg/day oral risedronate in 49. Zhou J, Liu B, Qin MZ, et al. Fall prevention and anti-osteoporo-
patients with primary osteoporosis. Calcif Tissue Int. 2013;93:137- sis in osteopenia patients of 80 years of age and older: a randomized
46. [PMID: 23644930] doi:10.1007/s00223-013-9734-6 controlled study. Orthop Surg. 2020;12:890-9. [PMID: 32495521]
33. Lyles KW, Colón-Emeric CS, Magaziner JS, et al; HORIZON doi:10.1111/os.12701
Recurrent Fracture Trial. Zoledronic acid and clinical fractures and 50. Ringe JD, Faber H, Dorst A. Alendronate treatment of estab-
mortality after hip fracture. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:1799-809. lished primary osteoporosis in men: results of a 2-year prospective
[PMID: 17878149] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa074941 study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86:5252-5. [PMID: 11701687]
34. Cummings SR, San Martin J, McClung MR, et al; FREEDOM doi:10.1210/jcem.86.11.7988
Trial. Denosumab for prevention of fractures in postmenopausal 51. Broadwell A, Chines A, Ebeling PR, et al. Denosumab safety
women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2009;361:756-65. [PMID: and efficacy among participants in the FREEDOM extension study
19671655] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0809493 with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. J Clin Endocrinol
35. Boonen S, Reginster JY, Kaufman JM, et al. Fracture risk and zole- Metab. 2021;106:397-409. [PMID: 33211870] doi:10.1210/clinem/
dronic acid therapy in men with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2012;367: dgaa851
1714-23. [PMID: 23113482] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1204061 52. Geusens P, Feldman R, Oates M, et al. Romosozumab reduces inci-
36. Boonen S, Orwoll ES, Wenderoth D, et al. Once-weekly risedronate dence of new vertebral fractures across severity grades among post-
in men with osteoporosis: results of a 2-year, placebo-controlled, dou- menopausal women with osteoporosis. Bone. 2022;154:116209.
ble-blind, multicenter study. J Bone Miner Res. 2009;24:719-25. [PMID: [PMID: 34547521] doi:10.1016/j.bone.2021.116209
19049326] doi:10.1359/jbmr.081214 53. Boonen S, Orwoll E, Magaziner J, et al; HORIZON Recurrent
37. Bai H, Jing D, Guo A, et al. Randomized controlled trial of zole- Fracture Trial. Once-yearly zoledronic acid in older men compared
dronic acid for treatment of osteoporosis in women. J Int Med Res. with women with recent hip fracture. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59:2084-
2013;41:697-704. [PMID: 23669294] doi:10.1177/0300060513480917 90. [PMID: 22091563] doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03666.x
38. Fujita T, Fukunaga M, Itabashi A, et al. Once-weekly injection of 54. Silverman SL, Chines AA, Kendler DL, et al; Bazedoxifene Study
low-dose teriparatide (28.2 μg) reduced the risk of vertebral fracture Group. Sustained efficacy and safety of bazedoxifene in preventing
in patients with primary osteoporosis. Calcif Tissue Int. 2014;94:170- fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: results of a
5. [PMID: 23963633] doi:10.1007/s00223-013-9777-8 5-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Osteoporos Int.
39. Nakamura T, Matsumoto T, Sugimoto T, et al. Clinical Trials 2012;23:351-63. [PMID: 21779819] doi:10.1007/s00198-011-1691-1
Express: fracture risk reduction with denosumab in Japanese post- 55. Delmas PD, Ensrud KE, Adachi JD, et al; Multiple Outcomes of
menopausal women and men with osteoporosis: denosumab fracture Raloxifene Evaluation Investigators. Efficacy of raloxifene on vertebral
fracture. Menopause. 2015;22:806-13. [PMID: 25668306] doi:10.1097/ J Bone Miner Res. 2018;33:1219-26. [PMID: 29573473] doi:10.1002/
GME.0000000000000419 jbmr.3427
86. Herrera L, Leal I, Lapi F, et al. Risk of atrial fibrillation among 101. Cosman F, Crittenden DB, Ferrari S, et al. Romosozumab
bisphosphonate users: a multicenter, population-based, Italian FRAME study: a post hoc analysis of the role of regional background
study. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26:1499-506. [PMID: 25752621] fracture risk on nonvertebral fracture outcome. J Bone Miner Res.
doi:10.1007/s00198-014-3020-y 2018;33:1407-16. [PMID: 29750828] doi:10.1002/jbmr.3439
87. Palacios S, Kalouche-Khalil L, Rizzoli R, et al. Treatment with 102. McClung MR, Harvey NC, Fitzpatrick LA, et al. Effects of
denosumab reduces secondary fracture risk in women with post- abaloparatide on bone mineral density and risk of fracture in
menopausal osteoporosis. Climacteric. 2015;18:805-12. [PMID: postmenopausal women aged 80 years or older with osteoporo-
26029985] doi:10.3109/13697137.2015.1045484 sis. Menopause. 2018;25:767-71. [PMID: 29462094] doi:10.1097/
88. Ferrari S, Adachi JD, Lippuner K, et al. Further reductions in GME.0000000000001080
nonvertebral fracture rate with long-term denosumab treatment in 103. McCloskey EV, Fitzpatrick LA, Hu MY, et al. Effect of abalo-
the FREEDOM open-label extension and influence of hip bone min- paratide on vertebral, nonvertebral, major osteoporotic, and clinical
eral density after 3 years. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26:2763-71. [PMID: fractures in a subset of postmenopausal women at increased risk of
26068295] doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3179-x fracture by FRAX probability. Arch Osteoporos. 2019;14:15. [PMID:
89. Harvey NC, Kanis JA, Od en A, et al. Efficacy of weekly teripara- 30719589] doi:10.1007/s11657-019-0564-7
tide does not vary by baseline fracture probability calculated using 104. Miyauchi A, Dinavahi RV, Crittenden DB, et al. Increased bone
FRAX. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26:2347-53. [PMID: 26092062] doi:10. mineral density for 1 year of romosozumab, vs placebo, followed by
1007/s00198-015-3129-7 2 years of denosumab in the Japanese subgroup of the pivotal
90. Harvey NC, Kanis JA, Od en A, et al. FRAX and the effect of teripara- FRAME trial and extension. Arch Osteoporos. 2019;14:59. [PMID:
tide on vertebral and non-vertebral fracture. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26: 31168657] doi:10.1007/s11657-019-0608-z
2677-84. [PMID: 26092063] doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3173-3 105. Bilezikian JP, Lin CJF, Brown JP, et al. Long-term denosumab
91. Papapoulos S, Lippuner K, Roux C, et al. The effect of 8 or 5 treatment restores cortical bone loss and reduces fracture risk at
years of denosumab treatment in postmenopausal women with the forearm and humerus: analyses from the FREEDOM Extension
osteoporosis: results from the FREEDOM Extension study. Osteo- cross-over group. Osteoporos Int. 2019;30:1855-64. [PMID: 31201481]
poros Int. 2015;26:2773-83. [PMID: 26202488] doi:10.1007/ doi:10.1007/s00198-019-05020-8
s00198-015-3234-7 106. Minisola S, Marin F, Kendler DL, et al. Serum 25-hydroxy-vita-
92. Ito M, Tobinai M, Yoshida S, et al. Effect of monthly intravenous min D and the risk of fractures in the teriparatide versus risedronate
ibandronate injections on vertebral or non-vertebral fracture risk in VERO clinical trial. Arch Osteoporos. 2019;14:10. [PMID: 30659410]
Japanese patients with high-risk osteoporosis in the MOVER study. doi:10.1007/s11657-019-0561-x
J Bone Miner Metab. 2017;35:58-64. [PMID: 26614597] doi:10.1007/ 107. Reid IR, Horne AM, Mihov B, et al. Anti-fracture efficacy of
s00774-015-0723-x zoledronate in subgroups of osteopenic postmenopausal women:
93. Cosman F, Hattersley G, Hu MY, et al. Effects of abaloparatide- secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. J Intern Med.
SC on fractures and bone mineral density in subgroups of postmeno- 2019;286:221-9. [PMID: 30887607] doi:10.1111/joim.12901
pausal women with osteoporosis and varying baseline risk factors. J 108. Lewiecki EM, Dinavahi RV, Lazaretti-Castro M, et al. One year
Bone Miner Res. 2017;32:17-23. [PMID: 27612281] doi:10.1002/ of romosozumab followed by two years of denosumab maintains
jbmr.2991 fracture risk reductions: results of the FRAME extension study. J
94. Cosman F, Miller PD, Williams GC, et al. Eighteen months of treat- Bone Miner Res. 2019;34:419-28. [PMID: 30508316] doi:10.1002/
ment with subcutaneous abaloparatide followed by 6 months of treat- jbmr.3622
ment with alendronate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: 109. Sugimoto T, Matsumoto T, Hosoi T, et al. Efficacy of denosu-
results of the ACTIVExtend trial. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92:200-10. mab co-administered with vitamin D and Ca by baseline vitamin D
[PMID: 28160873] doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.10.009 status. J Bone Miner Metab. 2020;38:848-58. [PMID: 32671481]
95. McCloskey EV, Johansson H, Oden A, et al. The effect of abalo- doi:10.1007/s00774-020-01119-9
paratide-SC on fracture risk is independent of baseline FRAX fracture 110. Lau EMC, Dinavahi R, Woo YC, et al. Romosozumab or alendro-
probability: a post hoc analysis of the ACTIVE study. J Bone Miner nate for fracture prevention in East Asian patients: a subanalysis of
Res. 2017;32:1625-31. [PMID: 28474780] doi:10.1002/jbmr.3163 the phase III, randomized ARCH study. Osteoporos Int. 2020;31:677-
96. Bone HG, Wagman RB, Brandi ML, et al. 10 years of denosu- 85. [PMID: 32047951] doi:10.1007/s00198-020-05324-0
mab treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: 111. Kendler DL, Marin F, Geusens P, et al. Psychotropic medications
results from the phase 3 randomised FREEDOM trial and open- and proton pump inhibitors and the risk of fractures in the teriparatide
label extension. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5:513-23. versus risedronate VERO clinical trial. Bone. 2020;130:115113. [PMID:
[PMID: 28546097] doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30138-9 31654779] doi:10.1016/j.bone.2019.115113
97. Bueno JAH, Arias L, Yu CR, et al. Efficacy and safety of 112. Geusens P, Oates M, Miyauchi A, et al. The effect of 1 year of
bazedoxifene in postmenopausal Latino women with osteoporosis. romosozumab on the incidence of clinical vertebral fractures in
Menopause. 2017;24:1033-9. [PMID: 28837504] doi:10.1097/GME. postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: results from the FRAME
0000000000000889 study. JBMR Plus. 2019;3:e10211. [PMID: 31687647] doi:10.1002/
98. McClung MR, Williams GC, Hattersley G, et al. Geography of jbm4.10211
fracture incidence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 113. Body JJ, Marin F, Kendler DL, et al. Efficacy of teriparatide com-
treated with abaloparatide. Calcif Tissue Int. 2018;102:627-33. pared with risedronate on FRAX®-defined major osteoporotic fractures:
[PMID: 29285549] doi:10.1007/s00223-017-0375-z results of the VERO clinical trial. Osteoporos Int. 2020;31:1935-42.
99. Geusens P, Marin F, Kendler DL, et al. Effects of teriparatide [PMID: 32474650] doi:10.1007/s00198-020-05463-4
compared with risedronate on the risk of fractures in subgroups of 114. Ferrari S, Eastell R, Napoli N, et al. Denosumab in postmeno-
postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis: the VERO trial. J pausal women with osteoporosis and diabetes: subgroup analysis
Bone Miner Res. 2018;33:783-94. [PMID: 29329484] doi:10.1002/ of FREEDOM and FREEDOM extension. Bone. 2020;134:115268.
jbmr.3384 [PMID: 32058020] doi:10.1016/j.bone.2020.115268
100. Cosman F, Crittenden DB, Ferrari S, et al. FRAME study: the 115. Saag KG, Williams SA, Wang Y, et al. Effect of abaloparatide on
foundation effect of building bone with 1 year of romosozumab bone mineral density and fracture incidence in a subset of younger
leads to continued lower fracture risk after transition to denosumab. postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.
149. Kirchmayer U, Sorge C, Sultana J, et al. Bisphosphonates and hormone (1-84) for osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:555-65.
cardiovascular risk in elderly patients with previous cardiovascular [PMID: 16093464] doi:10.1056/NEJMoa050336
disease: a population-based nested case-control study in Italy. Ther 156. Anastasilakis AD, Makras P, Yavropoulou MP, et al.
Adv Drug Saf. 2019;10:2042098619838138. [PMID: 31057787] Denosumab discontinuation and the rebound phenomenon:
doi:10.1177/2042098619838138 a narrative review. J Clin Med. 2021;10. [PMID: 33406802]
150. Lo JC, Neugebauer RS, Ettinger B, et al. Risk of complete atypi- doi:10.3390/jcm10010152
cal femur fracture with oral bisphosphonate exposure beyond three 157. Lyu H, Yoshida K, Zhao SS, et al. Delayed denosumab injec-
years. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21:801. [PMID: 33272248] tions and fracture risk among patients with osteoporosis: a popula-
doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03672-w tion-based cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173:516-26. [PMID:
151. D’Silva KM, Cromer SJ, Yu EW, et al. Risk of incident atrial fi- 32716706] doi:10.7326/M20-0882
brillation with zoledronic acid versus denosumab: a propensity 158. Tsourdi E, Langdahl B, Cohen-Solal M, et al. Discontinuation of
denosumab therapy for osteoporosis: a systematic review and posi-
score-matched cohort study. J Bone Miner Res. 2021;36:52-60.
tion statement by ECTS. Bone. 2017;105:11-7. [PMID: 28789921]
[PMID: 33137852] doi:10.1002/jbmr.4174
doi:10.1016/j.bone.2017.08.003
152. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EVENITY. Full prescribing
159. Leder BZ, Tsai JN, Uihlein AV, et al. Denosumab and teriparatide
information. 2019. Accessed at www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_
transitions in postmenopausal osteoporosis (the DATA-Switch study):
docs/label/2019/761062s000lbl.pdf on 22 February 2022.
extension of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2015;386:1147-55.
153. Hagino H, Sugimoto T, Tanaka S, et al. A randomized, controlled [PMID: 26144908] doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)61120-5
trial of once-weekly teriparatide injection versus alendronate in patients 160. Ensrud KE, Schousboe JT. Anabolic therapy for osteoporosis.
at high risk of osteoporotic fracture: primary results of the Japanese JAMA. 2021;326:350-1. [PMID: 34313699] doi:10.1001/jama.2021.0233
Osteoporosis Intervention Trial-05. Osteoporos Int. 2021;32:2301-11. 161. Barrionuevo P, Kapoor E, Asi N, et al. Efficacy of pharmacolog-
[PMID: 34002252] doi:10.1007/s00198-021-05996-2 ical therapies for the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal
154. Leder BZ. Optimizing sequential and combined anabolic and women: a network meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;
antiresorptive osteoporosis therapy. JBMR Plus. 2018;2:62-8. [PMID: 104:1623-30. [PMID: 30907957] doi:10.1210/jc.2019-00192
30283892] doi:10.1002/jbm4.10041 162. Cremers S, Drake MT, Ebetino FH, et al. Pharmacology of
155. Black DM, Bilezikian JP, Ensrud KE, et al; PaTH Study bisphosphonates. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2019;85:1052-62. [PMID:
Investigators. One year of alendronate after one year of parathyroid 30650219] doi:10.1111/bcp.13867