New labeling will suggest STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk

July 2013

New labeling will suggest STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk.

This is a case of labeling catching up with the evidence.

Bisphosphonates persist in the bones for years, so 3 to 5 years of therapy is enough for many patients.

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Table of Contents

Obesity & Weight Loss Belviq (bel-VEEK, lorcaserin) will join Qsymia and other weight loss meds in the battle of the bulge
Respiratory & Allergy Inhaled steroids are in and LONG-acting beta-agonists are out for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Cardiology new ezetimibe and statin combo for dyslipidemia called Liptruzet (LIP-true-zet)
Practice Pharmacists will get more involved in "transitions of care"
Ophthalmology The new combo Simbrinza (sim-BRIN-za, brinzolamide/brimonidine) will raise questions about treatments for open-angle glaucoma
Anticoagulants boxed warning about stopping Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), or Eliquis (apixaban) in atrial fib patients
Psychiatry A new desvenlafaxine extended-release will create confusion
Osteoporosis New labeling will suggest STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk
New Drugs Many people assume FDA considers the VALUE of new drugs as part of their drug approval process
Sunscreens ask about sunscreens
NSAIDs a bigger push to avoid ORAL diclofenac