Osteoporosis Management: Advances in Pharmacotherapy (ACPE)

Osteoporosis is a disease common among elderly patients that is increasing in frequency as senior citizens begin to represent a larger share of the U.S. population. Osteoporosis increases the risk of severe fracture, which, in turn, is associated with a higher risk of mortality.(3) A variety of literature has demonstrated that antiresorptive therapy is effective at reducing the progression of disease and preventing fracture; however, recent studies have demonstrated that these therapies have a variety of adverse effects,(4-11) some of which – like osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fractures – are severe and were unrecognized at the time of their initial FDA approval. These emerging concerns are raising questions as to the optimal duration of treatment and potential benefit of a drug holiday.

By the end of the session the participant will be able to:

1. Apply the results of diagnostic imaging and pertinent past medical history to determine a given patient’s diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia
2. Describe the criteria for initiation of pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis treatment and prevention and apply them to a patient case
3. Identify investigational pharmacotherapeutic treatments for management of osteoporosis, and describe their mechanisms of action and likely place in therapy
4. Describe the challenges associated with treating patients with osteoporosis, focus specifically on the risks (e.g., adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, et cetera) of the agents used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and apply the information in optimizing patient care in a patient case

Credit Designation:

ScientiaCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. This program is approved for 1.00 hours of continuing education. Proof of participation will be posted to your NABP CPE profile within 4 to 6 weeks to participants who have successfully completed the post-test. Participants must participate in the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing pharmacy education credit.