Martin Venderwood: Osteoporosis is a serious chronic disease which affects almost 2 million Canadians. It costs the Canadian healthcare system more than $1 billion a year, not to mention the impact the disease can have on patients and their families.
The good news with the right treatment plan, Canadians with osteoporosis can lead healthy, active lives. Today there's a new option that can help protect against fracture with just one pill taken once a month.
Actonel 150 milligram is the first and only, once a month dosing option for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Canada.
Dr. Sophie Jamal is the Director of the Osteoporosis Research and Clinical Programs at Women's College Hospital.
Dr. Sophie Jamal: I think for a lot of people, exercise, weight-bearing exercise specifically, adequate nutrition with calcium and vitamin D can be enough to maintain good bone health. But there is a large proportion of our population in whom that really isn't enough and we do need to have pharmacologic options.
The wonderful thing about having a multitude of agents on the market is that we can tailor our treatments to patient preferences, to patient adverse effects and also to lifestyles and that's why it's so wonderful thing to have.
Martin Venderwood: New Actonel 150 milligram may be an attractive dosing option for patients who need fracture protection and a therapy that also provides the convenience of once a month dosing.
Dr. Sophie Jamal: I think the once monthly Actonel option, really just broadens the treatment spectrum that we have available for postmenopausal osteoporosis. I found it most helpful in women who have very active lifestyles, who travel, who really find it much more convenient to take a once a month medication.
Martin Venderwood: Anne Wolf has been living with osteoporosis for 15 years.
Anne Wolf: I am excited about the once a month option for taking your medication. It's just great for one's lifestyle.
Martin Venderwood: Wolf is living proof that with the right treatment plan, you can live well with osteoporosis.
For more information on osteoporosis and to learn about treatment options, speak to your physician or visit www.osteoporosis.ca. Martin Venderwood reporting.
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