Objective
This study was to evaluate the trend in the use of osteoporosis medications during a year of 2008 and to
estimate the trend of treatment for osteoporosis in the future.
Methods
Data from the International Marketing Service (IMS) were used to analyze treatment medication for
osteoporosis. Specific pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments analyzed included calcium, hormone (estrogen,
estrogen and progestogen combination, and tibolone), oral and intravenous bisphosphonate, raloxifene, calcitonin,
vitamin D and others.
Results
The use of calcium have tended to rely on general practice without prescription. Of the cost of osteoporosis
medications during a year of 2008, hormone represented about 20% and non-hormone represented about 80%.
Bisphosphonates were most commonly used in 2008 and they came to 114 billion and 200 million won (85%) and then
vitamin D (11 billion and 200 million won), raloxifene (6 billion and 200 million won), and calcitonin (2 billion won).
Conclusion
The most commonly used osteoporosis medication was bisphosphonates, especially once weekly oral
bisphosphonates. Parathyroid hormone, the only bone formation drug, have been limitedly used because it is very
expensive and should be given by daily SC injection. As once-monthly oral bisphosphonates and quarterly and yearly
IV medications were developed, the increase of use of these medications would be expected.
[Korean Journal of Bone Metabolism, 16(2): 87-93, 2009]
