Intravenous zoledronic acid: what are the indications for male osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis and fractures are under-recognized and undertreated, both in men and women worldwide. Male osteoporosis is not the epidemic problem that female osteoporosis is; however, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that over 14 million American men have osteoporosis or low bone mass, and approximately 25% to 30% of all hip fractures occur in male individuals who incur greater morbidity and mortality than their female counterparts. Until recently, alendronate, risedronate, and teriparatide were the only pharmacologic agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating male osteoporosis. In December 2008, zoledronic acid was approved for "treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis." In 2009, zoledronic acid was also approved for "treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients (both men and women) expected to be on glucocorticoids for at least 12 months."