Risedronate gastro-resistant vs. other bisphosphonates for osteoporosis

Compared to other oral bisphosphonates, administration of risedronate gastro-resistant (GR) exhibited a reduced occurrence of fractures in females diagnosed with osteoporosis, as deduced from a study published in Osteoporosis International. Using a retrospective observational design, Friederike Thomasius et al. carried out a study for quantifying and comparing fracture rates and economic outcomes in osteoporosis females prescribed risedronate gastro-resistant vs. other oral bisphosphonates.

Analysis of claims from females having osteoporosis was done. Participants were segregated into 2 cohorts on the basis of the first oral bisphosphonate noted (index date) and matched 1:1 on the basis of characteristics of participants. After the index date, participants were inspected for ≥ two years. Comparison of fracture rates, medical care costs, medical care resource utilization, and adherence and persistence to the treatment was carried out. Overall, 2726 participants were included in each group (median age 60 years).

Compared to other cohort, the GR cohort exhibited reduced  occurrence of fractures for any fracture sites (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.83) and spine fractures (IRR: 0.71). At two years, the rate of medication discontinuation was higher for the GR cohort vs. other cohort. In the case of the GR cohort, the time to 1st  fracture was delayed, reaching statistical significance after thirty-six months. In the GR cohort, fewer hospitalizations (lower utilization of inpatient services) occurred, translating into less hospitalization costs per patient per year, as shown in Table 1:

Despite their lower persistence, people given risedronate GR were related to a reduced occurrence of fractures than people given other oral bisphosphonates, which can be interpreted by the fact that the GR formulation is absorbed even when consumed along with food. While administering risedronate GR, fasting is not needed. This highly convenient form of dosing might interpret its improved efficacy.