2020 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 7-12
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute-phase response (APR) and discontinuation rates of once-yearly intravenous administration of zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg for osteoporosis.
METHODS: Fifty-six patients (18 men and 38 women mean age, 74.3 ± 9.4 years) treated with ZOL between November 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. They were examined to determine the rates of APR and antipyretic analgesic administration in those with (Acute group) and without APR (Non-Acute group). The discontinuation rates in 36 patients one year after administration of ZOL and the reason for the discontinuation were investigated.
RESULTS: The APR rate was 17.9% (10/56 patients) in all the patients. The antipyretic analgesic administration rate in Acute group was significantly lower than that in Non-Acute group (P = 0.01). The discontinuation rate was 30.6% (11/36 patients). The reasons for discontinuation were difficulty in visiting the hospital due to being elderly in 11.1% of the patients, death from a malignant tumor in 5.6%, deterioration due to cardiovascular disease in 5.6%, rejection because of APR at the first administration in 5.6%, and change of medicine in 2.8%.
CONCLUSION: When administering intravenous ZOL once yearly for osteoporosis, antipyretic analgesic such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs must also be given to effectively manage the APR associated with the administration of ZOL. In addition, the individual underlying diseases and social background of elderly patients must be considered.
