Efficacy and Safety of Generic Alendronate for Osteoporosis Treatment

Abstract

Background: While osteoporosis increases the risk of fragility fractures, bisphosphonate has been proven to increase bone strength and reduce the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. In addition to its efficacy, substituting the brand with generic medication is a strategy to optimize healthcare expenditures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of generic alendronate treatment and assess potential adverse events in patients with osteoporosis.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 120 patients who met the indications for osteoporosis treatment, received weekly generic alendronate (70 mg) for >1 year, and underwent evaluation through standard axial dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The outcomes of this study were the percent change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip after one year of treatment. The major adverse events occurring during medication that led to the discontinuation of drug administration were documented.

Results: Most patients were female (96.7%) with an average age of 69.0 ± 9.3 years. The percent change in BMD increased at all sites after one year of generic alendronate treatment (lumbar spine: 5.6 ± 13.7, p-value <0.001; femoral neck: 2.3 ± 8.3, p-value = 0.023; total hip: 2.1 ± 6.2, p-value = 0.003), with over 85% of patients experiencing increased or stable BMD. Three patients discontinued the medication due to adverse effects: two had dyspepsia, and one had persistent myalgia.

Conclusion: Generic alendronate may be considered an effective antiresorptive agent for osteoporosis treatment with a low incidence of adverse effects.

Keywords: alendronate; bisphosphonate; bone mineral density; fragility fracture; osteoporosis.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of patients in this study.