An integrated approach: bisphosphonate management for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is underrecognized and undertreated despite the availability of effective therapies that reduce fracture risks. Bisphosphonates are currently the most widely prescribed pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis. Oral bisphosphonates are typically managed under the pharmacy benefit of a health plan. With the recent availability of intravenous bisphosphonates, osteoporosis therapies now cross both the traditional pharmacy and medical benefit boundaries. Determining the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment for specific populations requires best practices that integrate both pharmacy and medical benefit considerations. When developing policy as part of these best practices, medical directors and pharmacy directors must consider efficacy, safety, cost, convenience, and mode of administration for each of the bisphosphonate formulations. This continuing education activity, based on a roundtable of managed care experts, explores new approaches for developing an effective bisphosphonate management policy for the treatment of osteoporosis.