Author in the Room: The Effects of Continuing or Stopping Alendronate after Five Years of Treatment: Results from the Fracture Intervention Trial Long-term Extension (FLEX)

Summary: The long term use of alendronate for up to 10 years is safe. Those who discontinued treatment at 5 years lost bone mass compared to those who continued but the bone loss was only moderate. Rates of fracture were similar among those who continued verses those who discontinued except for clinical vertebral fractures which, although relatively uncommon, were higher in those who discontinued treatment. Results suggest that after 5 years of alendronate, many women may discontinue therapy for up to 5 years. Although, those at high risk of clinical vertebral fracture may benefit by continuing.