Treatment satisfaction and persistence among postmenopausal women on osteoporosis medications: 12-month results from POSSIBLE US™

Treatment patterns in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis using abaloparatide: a real-world observational study

Review of medical records from 173 women with osteoporosis who received abaloparatide treatment revealed that 96.0% had at least one visit for osteoporosis management and 55.5% had medication support group access. The most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were financial (31.2%) and tolerability (22.8%). Most patients (64.8%) completed treatment as prescribed.

PURPOSE

Abaloparatide is approved for the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. This study evaluated real-world treatment patterns for patients new to abaloparatide, regardless of osteoporosis treatment history.

METHODS

Data for patients with ≥ 1 prescription for abaloparatide were collected retrospectively from six academic and clinical practice settings across the US.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 69.8 [7.4] years). At the time of abaloparatide treatment initiation, 78.6% had received other osteoporosis medications. Mean (SD) time from discontinuation of osteoporosis medications prior to initiation of abaloparatide was 1.7 (3.2) years. Twenty-four months of follow-up data from the initiation date of abaloparatide was collected from 94.0% of patients and 6.0% of patients had 12-24 months of follow-up. During the follow-up period, 96.0% of patients had at least one visit for osteoporosis management and 55.5% had access to a medication support program. The median duration of therapy was 18.6 months and 105/162 (64.8%) completed abaloparatide treatment as prescribed. The most common reasons for treatment discontinuation were financial (31.2%) and tolerability (22.8%). Following completion of a course of treatment with abaloparatide, 82/162 (50.6%) patients transitioned to another osteoporosis medication. The median time between abaloparatide treatment course completion and the initiation of follow-on medication was 21 days.

CONCLUSION

Most patients completed treatment with abaloparatide as prescribed, and over half continued with an antiresorptive agent. This favorable conduct may be the result of regular follow-up visits and accessibility to both medication and patient support services.

Alendronato de sódio e vitamina D na osteoporose pós-menopausa

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia da utilização da terapia combinada de alendronato de sódio e vitamina D no metabolismo ósseo de mulheres em tratamento de osteoporose pós-menopausa.Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, a qual foram pesquisados ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) indexados nas bases de dados BVS, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect e Scopus que comparavam a associação de alendronato sódico e vitamina D com a monoterapia de alendronato de sódio. Resultados: um total de seis ECR contemplou os critérios para serem inclusos nesse estudo, compreendendo um total de 4164 participantes e seus respectivos dados. Os estudos avaliaram diferentes domínios do metabolismo ósseo, como níveis séricos de vitamina D, paratormônio, densidade mineral óssea e marcadores de turnover ósseo. A terapia combinada produziu melhora significativa nos marcadores metabólicos ósseos. Conclusão: a terapia combinada de alendronato de sódio com vitamina D promove melhora no metabolismo ósseo de mulheres com osteoporose pós-menopausa.

The Effectiveness of Interactive Patient Education on Adherence to Leprosy Medications in an Ambulatory Care Setting Indonesia: A Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND: Poor treatment adherence has been linked to recurrence and the development of antibiotic resistance in leprosy patients. Previous research has shown that structured health education programs improve treatment adherence in other patients, but similar research in leprosy patients is lacking. AIM: This study aimed to assess the effect of interactive patient education on adherence to leprosy medications in an ambulatory care setting in Indonesia. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted between January and April 2021. The research was conducted at a public health center in West Papua, Indonesia. This RCT employed 1:1 randomization to allocate participants to one of two groups. Eligibility criteria included those aged over 18 years old and diagnosed with leprosy at least 6 months. An interactive patient education program included four intervention steps that lasted 1 month, with four sessions lasting 60–90 min each week. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess medication adherence. The difference-in-differences technique was used to evaluate the variances between T0 and T1 and T0 for the intervention versus control groups (DID). RESULTS: Approximately, 200 participants agreed to join in this study (response rate = 72.5%). An interactive patient education program improved outcomes relative to the control at T1; medication adherence increased 0.11 (95% CI 0.01–0.25). At T2, improved outcomes relative to the control were observed in medication adherence (DID coefficient 0.31 (95% CI 0.10–0.59). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that an interactive patient education program could effectively enhance medication adherence. Therefore, it is advised that health care professionals working with leprosy patients participate in the development of patient education programs and establish therapeutic partnerships with their patients.

Effect of Dosing Interval on Compliance of Osteoporosis Patients on Bisphosphonate Therapy: Observational Study Using Nationwide Insurance Claims Data

Only a few studies are available on the effect of the dosing interval of bisphosphonate on drug compliance. We analyzed the data of patients who were newly prescribed bisphosphonate using a national insurance claims database. Drug compliance was assessed by calculating medication possession ratio (MPR) over a minimum of a 1-year follow-up. This analysis included 281,996 new bisphosphonate users with a mean age of 68.9 years (92% women). The patients were divided into daily, weekly, monthly, 3-monthly, and switch groups (who changed the drug to other dosing intervals). The average MPR was the highest in the switch group (66%), and the longer the dosing interval, the higher the compliance (3-monthly, 56% vs. daily, 37%). “Non-compliant” was defined as an MPR under 80%. Various factors which were possibly associated with “non-compliant” MPR were investigated using multiple regression analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that male patients were more likely to be non-compliant with pharmacotherapy than female patients, with as odds ratio of 1.389. Younger patients had a significantly lower likelihood of being non-compliant than older patients for age 60–69 vs. age 80+. Long dosing intervals were recommended to improve compliance and special attention was given to older and male patients.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay Satisfaction Questionnaire for Osteoporosis Prevention in Malaysia

PURPOSE

The English Satisfaction Questionnaire for Osteoporosis Prevention (SQOP) is validated in Malaysia. However, Malay is the national language of Malaysia spoken by the majority of Malaysians. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Malay Satisfaction Questionnaire for Osteoporosis Prevention (SQOP-M) in Malaysia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out from March to October 2018 at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The SQOP was translated from English to Malay according to international guidelines. Malay-speaking postmenopausal women ≥50 years were recruited and randomized into control and intervention groups. The intervention group received an osteoporosis prevention information booklet and a 15-minute pharmacist counselling session. All patients were asked to answer the SQOP-M questionnaire at baseline and two weeks later. The control group received the intervention after the study was completed.

RESULTS

Overall, 230/348 patients were recruited (C=115, I=115, response rate=66.1%). Exploratory factor analysis extracted four domains. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.230 to 0.938. Kappa measurement of agreement values ranged from 0.124 to 0.627, where 10/23 (43.5%) items were in moderate to substantial agreement. Wilcoxon signed rank test values were statistically significant (p<0.005) for 4/23 items. Item 17 was an optional question and excluded from analysis. Total satisfaction score was significantly higher for intervention group patients [76.9 (47.6-53.9) vs 50.4 (47.6-53.9), p<0.001] indicating higher satisfaction compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

The SQOP-M was found to be valid and reliable in assessing patient satisfaction of osteoporosis screening and prevention services provided to Malay-speaking patients in Malaysia.

Abaloparatide Real-World Patient Experience Study

Despite the availability of various osteoporosis treatments, adherence remains suboptimal. One contributing factor may be patient experience with therapy. This US, multicenter, combined retrospective chart review and patient questionnaire study included postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture and is the first study to describe real‐world patient experience with abaloparatide (ABL) injection. Eight geographically diverse secondary care sites in the United States participated (n = 193). Mean ± SD age was 67.4 ±8.62 years. Most patients (86%) were satisfied with the ABL regimen, especially with ease of preparation (82%), ease of storage (87%), and storage convenience (89%), an attribute 83% of the patients thought was important. The majority of patients reported complete satisfaction with the ABL regimen allowing for their ability to conduct daily activities (85%) and convenience to fit into their daily schedule (84%). All reported taking ABL as directed, by injection in the lower abdomen, and 83% of patients reported medium or high adherence. Patients were satisfied with the needle size (76% completely satisfied), and 93% reported never deliberately missing a dose. Although injecting medication (18%) and higher out‐of‐pocket costs (17%) were deemed the most bothersome attributes, the majority (69%) noted their healthcare team understands how osteoporosis impacts their lives. In multivariable analyses, ease of preparation (OR = 2.62; 95% CI, 1.01–6.81; p = 0.048) and fracture history (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.03–2.86; p = 0.037) were significantly associated with overall satisfaction. Ease of preparation was a predictor of higher satisfaction with treatment convenience (coefficient = 13.60; 95% CI, 8.08–19.12; p = 0.00). Remembering to take the medication was a significant predictor of self‐reported adherence (OR = 16.66; 95% CI, 3.30–84.24; p = 0.001). In conclusion, the majority of patients were satisfied with ABL and found it convenient/easy to prepare and store. High self‐reported adherence may be associated with positive patient experience including ease of use and adequate support from healthcare providers. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Egyptian consensus on treat-to-target approach for osteoporosis: a clinical practice guideline from the Egyptian Academy of bone health and metabolic bone diseases

Background

This study was carried out to achieve an Egyptian expert consensus on a treat-to-target management strategy for osteoporosis using Delphi technique. A scientific committee identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in osteoporosis in Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (2 rounds) to establish a consensus on 15 clinical standards: (1) concept, (2) diagnosis, (3) case identification, (4) whom to treat, (5) who should treat?, (6) case stratification and intervention thresholds, (7) falls risk, (8) investigations, (9) treatment target, (10) management, (11) optimum treatment duration, (12) monitoring, (13) drug holiday, (14) osteoporosis in men, and (15) post-fracture care and fracture liaison service.

Results

The surveys were sent to an expert panel (n = 25), of whom 24 participated in the two rounds. Respondents were drawn from different governorates and health centres across Egypt including the Ministry of Health. Most of the participants were rheumatologists (76%), followed by internists (8%), orthopaedic doctors (4%), rehabilitation doctors (4%), primary care (4%), and ortho-geriatrics (4%) physicians. Seventy-two recommendations, categorised into 15 sections, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 83.4 to 100%. Consensus was reached (i.e. ≥ 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all 15 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis has been suggested.

Conclusion

A wide and representative panel of experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in Egypt. The developed guidelines provide a comprehensive approach to the assessment and management of osteoporosis for all Egyptian healthcare professionals who are involved in its management.

Evaluation of pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in parenterally treated patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in parenterally treated patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP).

Patients and methods

Between May 2016 and January 2018, a total of 138 patients (mean age 63.78 years; range, 50 to 70 years) with postmenopausal OP were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were previously treated with denosumab (DEN) and parenteral forms of bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZOL) and ibandronate (IBN). The pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). The quality of life was evaluated using the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (Qualeffo-41). For the evaluation of patient satisfaction, a three-item questionnaire including satisfaction with the medication, route, and frequency of administration was applied.

Results

Of the patients, 50 received DEN, 48 received ZOL, and 40 received IBN treatment. There was no significant difference in any of the pain parameters. All domains of the Qualeffo-41 were similar among the three groups. The patients in the DEN group were more satisfied with their medication (DEN: 88%, ZOL: 43.75%, and IBN: 52.5%), its administration route (DEN: 84%, ZOL: 43.8%, and IBN: 57.5%), and the frequency of its administration (DEN: 84%, ZOL: 56.25%, and IBN: 52.5%) (p=0.0001).

Conclusion

Neither of the medication showed a superior effect on quality of life. However, patients were more satisfied with medications used in a six-month interval and applied subcutaneously. Of these three treatment options, DEN seems to be a step ahead in terms of patient satisfaction.

The efficacy and safety of denosumab in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis previously treated with bisphosphonates: A review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of denosumab therapy in osteoporotic postmenopausal women who were previously treated with bisphosphonates.

METHODS

Meta-analyses of four available randomised controlled trials that compared osteoporotic patients who switched to denosumab from bisphosphonates (n ​= ​1416) and those who continued bisphosphonates therapy (n ​= ​1411) were included.

RESULTS

The increase in bone mineral density (BMD) of both the spine and hip was significantly higher in patients who shifted to denosumab than in those who continued bisphosphonates. Despite the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and fractures being comparable, treatment withdrawal owing to AEs was significantly less frequent in the denosumab group.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes and treatment compliance were improved in postmenopausal osteoporotic women who shifted to denosumab from bisphosphonates.

THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE

The replacement of bisphosphonates with denosumab may lead to better therapeutic efficacy and fewer adherence barriers ​than those with continued usage of bisphosphonates, which in the future may guide the choice of drug therapy in clinics.

Assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs): treatment satisfaction, medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL) and the associated factors in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) patients in Korea

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide practical guides for treatment; however, studies that have evaluated PROs of women in Korea with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are lacking. This cross-sectional, multi-center (29 nationwide hospitals) study, performed from March 2013 to July 2014, aimed to assess PROs related to treatment satisfaction, medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL) in Korean PMO women using osteoporosis medication for prevention/treatment. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, PROs, and experience using medication were collected. The 14-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) (score-range, 0-100; domains: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, global satisfaction), Osteoporosis-Specific Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (OS-MMAS) (score-range, 0-8), and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire (index score range, - 0.22 to 1.0; EuroQol visual analog scale score range, 0-100) were used. To investigate factors associated with PROs, linear (treatment satisfaction/QoL) or logistic (medication adherence) regression analyses were conducted. A total of 1804 patients (age, 62 years) were investigated; 60.1% used bisphosphonate, with the majority (67.2%) using weekly medication, 27.8% used daily hormone replacement therapy, and 12.1% used daily selective estrogen receptor modulator. Several patients reported gastrointestinal (GI) events (31.6%) and dental visits due to problems (24.1%) while using medication. Factors associated with the highest OS-MMAS domain scores were convenience and global satisfaction. GI events were associated with non-adherence. TSQM scores for effectiveness, side effects, and GI risk factors were significantly associated with QoL. Our study elaborately assessed the factors associated with PROs of Korean PMO women. Based on our findings, appropriate treatment-related adjustments such as frequency/choice of medications and GI risk management may improve PROs.

Adherence to oral glucose lowering drugs, quality of life, treatment satisfaction and illness perception: A cross-sectional study in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate treatment adherence to oral glucose lowering drugs (OGLD) and health related quality of life in Lebanese diabetics. Secondary objectives were to examine associations between treatment adherence, quality of life (QOL), treatment satisfaction and illness perception.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study, conducted in all districts of Lebanon between August 2016 and April 2017, enrolled 207 adult patients, taking any OGLD.

RESULTS

The effectiveness score (Beta = 0.55), female gender (Beta = 7.04), and the quality of life score (Beta = 0.28) would significantly increase the adherence score respectively. On another hand, the body mass index (Beta = -1.216) would significantly decrease the adherence score. Adherence was negatively and significantly associated to IPQ score (r = -0.181), effectiveness score (r = -0.504), side effects (r = -0.583), convenience (r = -0.317), global satisfaction (r = -0.428), physical health (r = -0.477), psychological health (r = -0.521), social relationships (r = -0.405) and environment (r = -0.429).

CONCLUSION

Perceived effectiveness and patient's quality of life seem to be important parameters enhancing adherence. Based on this study, planning interventions to enhance treatment adherence and improve the quality of life is crucial for all diabetic patients. Additional efforts are suggested to be made by concerned authorities to set up awareness campaigns to increase alertness on the importance of adherence to medications in diabetics.

To Drug or Not to Drug: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Decision-Making Processes for Managing Insomnia

Treatment preferences play a key role in dictating sleep health outcomes. However, patients' treatment beliefs, attitudes, and experiences that inform preference conceptualization remain an unknown phenomenon. Therefore, this study aims to explore patient perceptions toward pharmacotherapy and the nonpharmacological management of insomnia. Fifty-one patients with insomnia were recruited from specialist clinics and general community settings. Participants completed a brief questionnaire followed by an in-depth semistructured interview that was digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to Framework Analysis to identify emergent themes. Three key themes were identified: Resolving Insomnia, Self-Imposed Treatment Boundaries, and Treatment Uptake. Patients' illness, treatment, and psychosocial beliefs and experiences are closely linked to treatment choice. Being attuned to these influences during the clinical encounter can facilitate treatment selection that is meaningful for the patient.

A Novel, Direct NO Donor Regulates Osteoblast and Osteoclast Functions and Increases Bone Mass in Ovariectomized Mice

Most US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for osteoporosis target osteoclastic bone resorption. Only PTH derivatives improve bone formation, but they have drawbacks, and novel bone-anabolic agents are needed. Nitrates, which generate NO, improved BMD in estrogen-deficient rats and may improve bone formation markers and BMD in postmenopausal women. However, nitrates are limited by induction of oxidative stress and development of tolerance, and may increase cardiovascular mortality after long-term use. Here we studied nitrosyl-cobinamide (NO-Cbi), a novel, direct NO-releasing agent, in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis. In murine primary osteoblasts, NO-Cbi increased intracellular cGMP, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, proliferation, and osteoblastic gene expression, and protected cells from apoptosis. Correspondingly, in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) female C57Bl/6 mice, NO-Cbi increased serum cGMP concentrations, bone formation, and osteoblastic gene expression, and in OVX mice, it prevented osteocyte apoptosis. NO-Cbi reduced osteoclasts in intact mice and prevented the known increase in osteoclasts in OVX mice, partially through a reduction in the RANKL/osteoprotegerin gene expression ratio, which regulates osteoclast differentiation, and partially through direct inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, observed in vitro in the presence of excess RANKL. The positive NO effects in osteoblasts were mediated by cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG), but some of the osteoclast-inhibitory effects appeared to be cGMP-independent. NO-Cbi increased trabecular bone mass in both intact and OVX mice, consistent with its in vitro effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. NO-Cbi is a novel direct NO-releasing agent that, in contrast to nitrates, does not generate oxygen radicals, and combines anabolic and antiresorptive effects in bone, making it an excellent candidate for treating osteoporosis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

GRAND-4: the German retrospective analysis of long-term persistence in women with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates or denosumab

This retrospective database study assessed 2-year persistence with bisphosphonates or denosumab in a large German cohort of women with a first-time prescription for osteoporosis treatment. Compared with intravenous or oral bisphosphonates, 2-year persistence was 1.5-2 times higher and risk of discontinuation was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) with denosumab.

INTRODUCTION

Persistence with osteoporosis therapies is critical for fracture risk reduction. Detailed data on long-term persistence (≥2 years) with bisphosphonates and denosumab are sparse.

METHODS

From the German IMS® database, we included women aged 40 years or older with a first-time prescription for bisphosphonates or denosumab between July 2010 and August 2014; patients were followed up until December 2014. The main outcome was treatment discontinuation, with a 60-day permissible gap between filled prescriptions. Two-year persistence was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with treatment discontinuation as the failure event. Denosumab was compared with intravenous (i.v.) and oral bisphosphonates separately. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for the 2-year risk of discontinuation were calculated, with adjustment for age, physician specialty, health insurance status, and previous medication use.

RESULTS

Two-year persistence with denosumab was significantly higher than with i.v. or oral bisphosphonates (39.8 % [n = 21,154] vs 20.9 % [i.v. ibandronate; n = 20,472] and 24.8 % [i.v. zoledronic acid; n = 3966] and 16.7-17.5 % [oral bisphosphonates; n = 114,401]; all P < 0.001). Patients receiving i.v. ibandronate, i.v. zoledronic acid, or oral bisphosphonates had a significantly increased risk of treatment discontinuation than did those receiving denosumab (HR = 1.65, 1.28, and 1.96-2.02, respectively; all P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-year persistence with denosumab was 1.5-2 times higher than with i.v. or oral bisphosphonates, and risk of discontinuation was significantly lower with denosumab than with bisphosphonates. A more detailed understanding of factors affecting medication-taking behavior may improve persistence and thereby reduce rates of fracture.

An evaluation of overall effectiveness and treatment satisfaction with intravenous immunoglobulin among patients with immune thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

A global assessment of patient satisfaction that considers therapeutic effect, toxicities, and convenience is needed to evaluate the acceptability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as a treatment for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional pilot study to assess the feasibility and usefulness of a treatment satisfaction questionnaire for adult patients with ITP receiving IVIG in an academic hematology clinic. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated by administration of a validated survey-based tool 7 days after IVIG administration. The tool assessed treatment satisfaction across four domains (effectiveness, toxicity, convenience, and global satisfaction); results were summarized with mean scores.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were enrolled (nine females; median age, 44 years; interquartile range, 35-69 years). Mean platelet increment after infusion was 54.2 × 10(9) /L (SD, 47.6 × 10(9) /L). Treatment satisfaction scores were highest in the side effect burden domain (88.2/100; SD, 19.3; higher scores indicate a lower burden of side effects). Six participants reported IVIG-associated toxicities; most were "slightly" or "not at all" dissatisfied by the impact of side effects. The domain with the lowest score was convenience (62.0/100; SD, 24.7).

CONCLUSION

The assessment of treatment satisfaction using a survey-based assessment tool was feasible for patients receiving IVIG and provided meaningful results that discriminated between domains. Patients found IVIG treatment to be inconvenient, but were satisfied with its tolerability as an ITP treatment. Larger studies are needed to determine the precise impact on each domain and the reproducibility of study results. Patient satisfaction scores can be used to compare different ITP treatments.

A Review of Patient Preferences for Osteoporosis Drug Treatment

Poor medication adherence is a major problem in chronic diseases such as osteoporosis that may partially be due to unaddressed patient values and preferences. Data on patient preferences could help clinicians to improve medication adherence and could also be useful in policy decisions and guideline development. This paper aims to identify literature reporting on the preferences of patients for osteoporosis drug medications. Several methods have been used to elicit patient preferences for medications and their characteristics including qualitative research, survey with ranking/rating exercises, discrete-choice experiments and clinical studies (crossover designs, open-label study). All these studies revealed that osteoporotic patients have preferences for medications and their attributes, in particular for less-frequent dosing regimens. Interestingly, variations in the preferences of patients were observed in most studies, suggesting the importance to take into account individual preference in decision-making to improve osteoporosis care.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and association with medication use patterns, adherence, treatment satisfaction, quality of life, and resource use in osteoporosis: baseline results of the MUSIC-OS study

SUMMARY

The Medication Use Patterns, Treatment Satisfaction, and Inadequate Control of Osteoporosis Study (MUSIC-OS) is a prospective, observational study of women with osteoporosis in Europe and Canada. At baseline, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms reported lower adherence to osteoporosis treatment, treatment satisfaction, and health-related quality of life, than those without gastrointestinal symptoms.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to examine gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the association between GI symptoms and treatment adherence, treatment satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among osteoporotic women in Europe and Canada.

METHODS

Baseline results are reported here for a prospective study which enrolled postmenopausal, osteoporotic women who were initiating (new users) or continuing (experienced users) osteoporosis treatment at study entry (baseline). A patient survey was administered at baseline and included the occurrence of GI symptoms during 6-month pre-enrolment, treatment adherence (adherence evaluation of osteoporosis (ADEOS), score 0-22), treatment satisfaction (Osteoporosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (OPSAT-Q), score 0-100) and HRQoL (EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) utility, score 0-1; OPAQ-SV, score 0-100). The association between GI symptoms and ADEOS (experienced users), OPSAT-Q (experienced users), and HRQoL (new and experienced users) was assessed by general linear models adjusted for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 2959 patients (2275 experienced and 684 new users) were included. Overall, 68.1% of patients experienced GI symptoms in the past 6 months. Compared with patients without GI symptoms, patients with GI symptoms had lower mean baseline scores on most measures. The mean adjusted differences were ADEOS, -0.43; OPSAT-Q, -5.68; EQ-5D, -0.04 (new users) and -0.06 (experienced users), all P < 0.01. GI symptoms were also associated with lower OPAQ-SV domain scores: physical function, -4.17 (experienced users); emotional status, -4.28 (new users) and -5.68 (experienced users); back pain, -5.82 (new users) and -11.33 (experienced users), all P < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GI symptoms have lower treatment adherence and treatment satisfaction and worse HRQoL than patients without GI symptoms.

Association between gastrointestinal events and compliance with osteoporosis therapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of gastrointestinal (GI) events, and association between GI events and compliance with osteoporosis therapy among osteoporotic women.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using a large administrative claims database in the United States from 2001 through 2010 was conducted. We studied women ≥ 55 years old who were continuously enrolled in a health plan for at least 2 years, a baseline year before and a follow-up year after the date of the first prescription of oral bisphosphonate as the first oral osteoporosis treatment. Compliance with osteoporosis therapy was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR), with compliance defined as MPR ≥ 0.8. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between occurrence of GI events and compliance with osteoporosis therapy after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

A sample consisting of 75,593 women taking at least one oral bisphosphonate with mean (SD) age of 64 (8) years was identified. A total of 21,142 (28%) patients experienced at least one GI event during the follow-up period. Only 31,306 (41%) patients were compliant with osteoporosis therapy. Patients who experienced GI events after initiation of oral bisphosphonates were 29% less likely to adhere to osteoporosis therapy as compared to patients who did not experience GI events (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.71 [0.69-0.74]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of the patients were compliant with osteoporosis therapy within one year after initiating oral bisphosphonates, and the likelihood of compliance was significantly lower by 29% among women with GI events.

Update on denosumab in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis: patient preference and adherence

Patient adherence to many osteoporosis treatments, primarily bisphosphonates, is generally poor, thus leading to a significant reduction in antifracture efficacy. Patient perceptions about the necessity of the prescribed medication to treat osteoporosis and the concerns about the potential adverse effects are important and potentially modifiable determinants of adherence, in addition to other factors, such as difficult dosing regimens and high dosing frequency. Denosumab (Dmab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which, through the prevention of the RANKL/RANK interaction, inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and significantly reduces the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures. It is administered subcutaneously every 6 months for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Preference and adherence to Dmab treatment were assessed in various clinical trials. Although with some limitations, available data suggest that Dmab is preferred to bisphosphonates, produces greater satisfaction than bisphosphonates, and would be preferentially chosen for long-term treatment. Moreover, patient perceptions about the necessity of Dmab treatment clearly outweigh the concerns about the injections, and positive beliefs about treatment positively influence medication-taking behavior. According to these data, Dmab may represent a reasonable alternative to bisphosphonates, particularly for osteoporotic women in whom a suboptimal or even poor adherence to oral treatments is expected.

Persistence at 12 months with denosumab in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: interim results from a prospective observational study

To determine persistence with subcutaneous denosumab every 6 months in women being treated for osteoporosis, we conducted a single-arm prospective, observational study in the United States and Canada. Among 935 patients enrolled, 12-month persistence was 82%, with 66 patients (7%) reporting serious adverse events and 19 patients (2%) reporting fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Increased persistence with osteoporosis therapy is associated with reduced fracture risk. Denosumab reduced fracture risk in clinical trials; persistence in community settings is undetermined. This study evaluates persistence with denosumab in community practice in the United States (US) and Canada.

METHODS

In a 24-month multicenter, prospective, single-arm, observational study, women being treated for osteoporosis were enrolled ≤4 weeks after the first subcutaneous injection of denosumab. For this 12-month prespecified interim analysis, endpoints include persistence (one injection at study entry and another within 6 months + 8 weeks), attributes associated with persistence (univariate analysis), and serious adverse events (SAEs).

RESULTS

Among 935 patients (mean age 71 years), mean baseline T-scores were -2.18 (femoral neck) and -2.00 (lumbar spine); 50% of patients had experienced osteoporotic fracture(s). At 12 months, 82 % of patients were persistent with denosumab. Baseline factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with higher persistence included use of osteoporosis medications >5 years previously, lumbar spine T-score > -2.5, and treatment by female physicians (US). Lower persistence was associated (p < 0.05) with psychiatric diagnoses including depression, southern US residence, being divorced, separated, or widowed (US), and prior hip fracture (Canada). SAEs were reported in 66 patients (7%); no SAEs of osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fracture, fracture healing complications, hypocalcemia, eczema, or hypersensitivity were reported. Nineteen patients (2%) reported osteoporotic fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The 12-month persistence observed in this single-arm open-label study of US and Canadian community practice extends the evidence regarding denosumab's potential role in reducing fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Reasons for not initiating osteoporosis therapy among a managed care population

BACKGROUND

Many women with osteoporosis do not initiate osteoporosis treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To examine patients' reasons for not initiating osteoporosis treatment among women with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Survey recipients were identified from a national US claims database and included women ≥55 years with an osteoporosis diagnosis from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012 as defined by: 1) osteoporosis diagnosis coupled with bone mineral density test within 183 days of diagnosis and/or 2) osteoporosis-related fracture. Eligibility required no claims for osteoporosis medication 1) at least 12 months and up to 5 years prior to osteoporosis diagnosis and 2) at least 6 months after osteoporosis diagnosis. Continuous enrollment for 18 months (6 months pre-osteoporosis and 12 months post-osteoporosis diagnosis) was also required. A total of 2,000 patients with the most recent osteoporosis diagnosis were mailed a survey. Respondents reporting that they did not initiate physician-recommended osteoporosis medication, after either their physician told them they had osteoporosis or they experienced a fracture since age 45 years, were asked for reasons why they did not initiate treatment.

RESULTS

There were 430 patients who returned a complete survey; mean age was 61% and 21.6% had a fracture. A total of 197 (45.8%) patients reported their physician diagnosed osteoporosis and 117 (59.3%) of those were recommended osteoporosis medication; 44 of the 117 patients (37.6%) did not initiate recommended osteoporosis medication by the time of survey. The primary reasons for not initiating osteoporosis medication were concern over side effects (77.3%), medication costs (34.1%), and pre-existing gastrointestinal concerns (25.0%).

CONCLUSION

Among respondents, 41% of patients whose physician diagnosed osteoporosis were not recommended osteoporosis treatment and 38% of patients who were recommended osteoporosis treatment did not initiate treatment within approximately 2 years of diagnosis. Concerns with side effects of osteoporosis treatment, medication costs, and pre-existing gastrointestinal concerns were the most common reasons for not initiating recommended treatment.

[The lack of adherence to antiosteoporotic drugs: crossing methods, the key to adherence measurement?]

OBJECTIVE

To use two different techniques to assess adherence of patients treated with antiosteoporotic drug.

METHODS

This monocentric transversal study was performed on a 6 months period, on patients of a single French pharmacy treated with antiosteoporotic drugs. Adherence was assessed crossing 2 techniques (patient autoquestionnaire and medication possession ratio measurement). Statistical analysis consisted in a description of the population study and a multivariate logistic regression to identify the factors associated with a lack of observance.

RESULTS

Using the two techniques, the lack of adherence was estimated to be between 14 and 55%. Adherence was better in patients who were given dietetic advice or information about the usefulness of physical activity and worse in patients who reached menopause less than 23 years ago.

CONCLUSION

A better identification of patients with a lack of observance is possible by crossing several techniques to assess adherence of the patient to his antiosteoporotic drug.

Challenges in implementing and maintaining osteoporosis therapy

In the United States, an estimated 19% of older men and 30% of older women are at elevated risk of osteoporotic fracture and considered to be eligible for treatment. The burden of osteoporosis is similar in Europe and is projected to rise worldwide, with aging populations and increasing fracture rates accompanying urbanization. Notwithstanding its high prevalence, osteoporosis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Moreover, even when the diagnosis is made and the decision is taken to treat, there are remaining challenges in implementing therapy for osteoporosis. Several patient populations are particularly challenging for clinicians to treat and require further study with regard to osteoporosis therapy. These include the very elderly, who face challenges relating to adherence; men, in whom osteoporosis remains under-recognized; patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis or renal impairment, who are at increased risk of fracture; patients with preexisting gastrointestinal problems who cannot tolerate existing orally administered osteoporosis therapies; and high-risk patients who show inadequate response to therapy. Moreover, poor adherence and poor persistence with osteoporosis medications are common and result in an increased risk of fracture, higher medical costs, and increased hospitalizations. Once the decision to institute therapy is made, patient education about osteoporosis and fracture risk should be provided. This is particularly important for men, who may not be aware that osteoporosis can be a concern. Secondary prevention programs, including fracture liaison services and bone therapy groups, can help to improve adherence to therapy. Further study is needed to guide the treatment of men, the very elderly, patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and renal impairment, high-risk patients not well-controlled despite therapy, and patients with preexisting gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, therapies are needed that are viewed as effective and safe by both physicians and patients, and as convenient to take by patients.

Impact of symptomatic hypoglycemia on medication adherence, patient satisfaction with treatment, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic hypoglycemia on medication adherence, satisfaction with treatment, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes based on the treatment goals stated in the Swedish national guidelines.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out between January and August 2009 in 430 consecutive primary health care patients on stable doses of metformin and sulfonylureas for at least 6 months. The patients completed questionnaires covering their experiences of low blood glucose and adherence, as well as barriers to and satisfaction with drug treatment (using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication). Physicians collected the data from medical records.

RESULTS

Patients who experienced moderate or worse symptoms of hypoglycemia reported poorer adherence to medication (46% versus 67%; P<0.01) and were more likely to perceive barriers such as "bothered by medication side effects" (36% versus 14%; P<0.001) compared with patients with no or mild symptoms. Patients with moderate or worse symptoms of hypoglycemia were less satisfied with their treatment than those with no or mild symptoms as determined by the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-Global satisfaction (67.0 versus 71.2; P<0.05). Overall, achievement of target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) based on the treatment goals stated in the Swedish national guidelines was 40%. Despite poorer adherence, patients who experienced moderate or worse symptoms of hypoglycemia had lower mean HbA1c values than patients with no or mild symptoms (7.0% versus 7.3% [Diabetes Control and Complications Trial standard]; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin and sulfonylureas was associated with nonadherence and decreased treatment satisfaction despite lower mean HbA1c values. A broader understanding of patient preferences and self-reported outcomes could improve the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The non-interventional BonViva Intravenous Versus Alendronate (VIVA) study: real-world adherence and persistence to medication, efficacy, and safety, in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Adherence and persistence to oral bisphosphonates in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis is suboptimal. In this study, patients were treated with either oral or intravenous bisphosphonates. The increased adherence and persistence observed in patients receiving intravenous medication compared with those receiving oral medication may improve health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Poor adherence and persistence to oral medication are often observed in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). The purpose of the non-interventional BonViva Intravenous Versus Alendronate (VIVA) study was to determine whether, in a real-world setting, (1) increased adherence and persistence to medication would be observed in women with PMO receiving intravenous (i.v.) ibandronate versus oral alendronate, (2) a correlation exists between adherence and persistence to medication and drug efficacy, and (3) any unexpected adverse events/serious adverse events (AEs/SAEs) may occur.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 632 centers in Germany. A total of 6,064 females with PMO were enrolled and recruited into one of two treatment arms: quarterly i.v. administration of 3 mg ibandronate or weekly oral medication of 70 mg alendronate, for 12 months. At the end of the study, adherence and persistence to medication, new osteoporotic fractures, mobility, use of analgesics, and AEs/SAEs were determined.

RESULTS

Greater adherence and persistence to medication were observed in the ibandronate treatment arm compared with the alendronate treatment arm. Although there was no significant difference in the number of patients with new vertebral, hip, or forearm fractures between treatment arms, a significantly greater increase in mobility and decrease in the use of analgesics were reported in the ibandronate treatment arm. No unexpected AEs/SAEs occurred in either arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence and persistence to medication were greater in women with PMO receiving i.v. ibandronate compared with those receiving oral alendronate. This may have led to an increase in mobility and a decrease in pain in these patients.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study is to provide a thorough updated review of the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been several important findings in the field of postmenopausal osteoporosis over the past 1-2 years. Fewer morphometric vertebral fractures were found in women treated for 6 years with zoledronic acid compared with those who stopped treatment after 3 years. Longer duration of bisphosphonate therapy is associated with a higher risk of atypical femur fractures. Combination therapy with teriparatide and denosumab appears to increase bone mineral density to a greater extent than either therapy alone in postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture. There are several novel therapies under investigation for the treatment of osteoporosis, which are in various stages of development. Nonadherence to osteoporosis therapies continues to be a major problem in clinical practice.

SUMMARY

There are numerous effective pharmacologic treatment options for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bisphosphonate drug holidays continue to be an area of significant debate.

Bisphosphonates adherence for treatment of osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone metabolism in which bisphosphonates (BPS) are the most common medications used in its treatment, whose main objective is to reduce the risk of fractures. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on BPs adherence for treatment of osteoporosis.

METHODS

Systematic review of articles on BPs adherence for treatment of osteoporosis, indexed on MEDLINE (via PubMed) databases, from inception of databases until January 2013. Search terms were "Adherence, Medication" (MeSH term), "Bisphosphonates" (MeSH term), and "Osteoporosis" (MeSH term).

RESULTS

Of the 78 identified studies, 27 met the eligibility criteria. Identified studies covered a wide range of aspects regarding adherence and associated factors, adherence and fracture, adherence and BPs dosage. The studies are mostly observational, conducted with women over 45 years old, showing low rates of adherence to treatment. Several factors may influence adherence: socio-economic and cultural, participation of physicians when guidance is given to the patient, the use of bone turnover markers, and use of generic drugs. The monthly dosage is associated with greater adherence compared to weekly dosage.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the methodological differences between the studies, the results converge to show that adherence to treatment of osteoporosis with BPs is still inadequate. Further experimental studies are needed to evaluate the adherence and suggest new treatment options.