Drug Holiday for Biphosphonates

[RobinP]

Just want to let others know that one of the recent articles in the NEJM eludes to that fact that once someone has been on five years of biphosphonates, the suggestion of a one year drug holiday has been recommended. See excerpts from the article, Osteonecrosis of the Jaw- Do Bisphonoaes Pose a Risk? by Bilezikian, MD

The possibility that the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw may be increased with the duration of therapy has led some to emphasize the need for a "drug holiday" for patients who are being treated with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis — perhaps a 1-year period without bisphosphonate therapy after 5 or more years of treatment. Clearly, more research is needed to clarify the magnitude and basis of the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with the dose of bisphosphonates and the duration of their use.