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Osteoporosis: Once-yearly treatment option available for New Zealand patients What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a serious and widespread health condition that affects more than 350,000 people in New Zealand. According to Osteoporosis New Zealand, over 50% of women and nearly 1/3rd of men over the age of 60 have the disease. The word osteoporosis literally means porous (spongy) bone. As the mineral (e.g. calcium) density and quality of bone is reduced and becomes more fragile, sufferers develop an increased risk of bone fractures (cracks or breaks). The most common sites for osteoporosis-related fractures are in the hip, spine, wrist, ribs, pelvis and upper arm, although any part of the skeleton can be affected. It is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ as most sufferers don’t know they have it until they break a bone as a result of a fairly minor fall or accident. Furthermore, there is a higher subsequent rate of death and only a minority regain their former level of independence. Osteoporosis has a significant impact on the New Zealand population in terms of quality of life and cost of care. Our ageing population means that by 2020 the number of people who break a hip each year is likely to increase to more than 5,000, and it will cost more than $148 million to treat them.
risk and prevention Hereditary factors mean that some people are at more risk of developing osteoporosis than others. However, the good news is that osteoporosis is a preventable disease. While bones naturally degenerate over time, a few common sense lifestyle decisions can help your bones stay strong and healthy. eat a calcium rich diet. A calcium-rich diet will help protect your bone density. As well as eating low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, you can increase your calcium intake by eating leafy green vegetables, like broccoli and spinach. Get some vitamin d. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption. Most young people get enough Vitamin D through a healthy diet and careful exposure to the sun, but many older people are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are available.
exercise. Regular exercise can also help prevent osteoporosis. For general good health, the World Health Organisation recommends adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. don’t smoke! Smoking can lower estrogen levels in women, and testosterone in men, which can weaken bones. Watch your alcohol. Heavy drinking should be avoided as intoxicated people are at increased risk of a fall and excessive alcohol makes it difficult for your body’s cells to make bone. low body weight can also increase a person’s risk of osteoporosis. Even for those who already have osteoporosis, addressing the risk factors – diet, low physical activity, smoking, alcohol and low weight - can decrease the risk of bone fractures. People who take steroids (such as prednisone) for other medical conditions are also at increased risk of osteoporosis, as they can affect the production of bone. Anyone taking steroids should discuss bone protection with their doctor.
treatment options There are a number of osteoporosis treatment options available to New Zealanders. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.
For more information on Aclasta talk to your GP, or visit www.aclasta.co.nz
Aclasta (zoledronic acid) is a convenient onceyearly treatment option. Aclasta belongs to a class of medicines called ‘’bisphosphonates’’ which help to make your bones stronger as well as reducing the risk of them breaking.
Aclasta is an IV infusion that is given over at least 15 minutes, and can be administered by a GP or Practice Nurse. With Aclasta, a single yearly treatment, along with adequate calcium intake, helps to increase bone density, protecting and strengthening your bones. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria, although patients who choose once-yearly Aclasta treatment will have to pay for the cost of the infusion.
Fully Funded
Aclasta® (zoledronic acid 5mg) is a prescription medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone. Aclasta is an infusion and contains 5mg of zoledronic acid. Check with your doctor to see if Aclasta is right for you. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding does not include the cost of infusion and normal doctors and prescription charges will apply. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Not recommended in patients with kidney impairment or in children and adolescents. Caution while under dental treatment or if dental treatment is planned. Calcium, hydration status and kidney function may be assessed by your doctor before and after you are given Aclasta. Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; anaemia; headache; dizziness, transient low blood calcium; gastrointestinal symptoms, renal impairment, breathing difficulty and lethargy. Very rarely osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your doctor. Aclasta is the registered trademark of Novartis AG. Novartis New Zealand Limited, Auckland. For further information check the Consumer Medicine Information(CMI) at www. medsafe.govt.nz. ACL 0112-144-0114 TAPS NA5538 INSIGHT4556 WS