The Adherence Gap
Compliance and persistence with treatment for osteoporosis are poor; approximately 50% of patients do not follow their prescribed treatment regimen and/or discontinue treatment within 1 year.
Measures to improve adherence will lead to more avoided fractures and are cost-effective complements to currently available treatments.
Poor bisphosphonate compliance increases the risk of fracture by 46%
60% of patients initiating bisphosphonates discontinue therapy within the first year
Gastrointestinal side effects are one of the main reasons for therapy discontinuation
Women who experience gastrointestinal events are 36% more likely to discontinue bisphosphonates
Source: Hernlund E et al. Osteoporosis in the European Union: medical management, epidemiology and economic burden. Arch Osteoporos 2013;8:136.