Impact of treatment efficacy and dosing frequency on cost-effectiveness of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis: a perspective

Abstract

Background:

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that presents a large economic burden both on the affected individual and on society. Osteoporotic fractures are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Given the high prevalence of osteoporosis and related costs, understanding the factors that determine the cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis therapy is important for physicians and managed-care organizations. Bisphosphonates are considered first-line therapy for osteoporosis, and pharmacological differences between them relate not only to differences in efficacy and safety, but also have an impact on health economics. Efficacy and persistence with therapy influence fracture risk-reduction and should be considered when determining the best osteoporosis therapy for each patient.