Teriparatide, which is a synthetic form of the human parathyroid hormone, is a better form of treating glucocorticoid-induced (OP) than alendronate, as per a recent study.

The involved researchers found out that patients suffering from glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and treated with teriparatide for a period of 36 months show significant improvements in terms of BMD (bone mineral density) and fewer new vertebral fractures than those treated with alendronate.

From Sciencedaily.com:

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the body or synthetically created compounds (drugs) used to reduce inflammation. These steroid drugs are used to control inflammation in patients with such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn’s disease as well as inflammatory conditions such as asthma. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis occurs when patients taking steroid medications such as prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and cortisone exhibit reduced bone mass and bone strength.

This 36-month, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, led by Kenneth Saag, M.D., from the University of Alabama, was conducted at 76 centers located in 13 countries. A total of 428 patients between the ages of 22-89 with confirmed OP who had received greater than 5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent for more than 3 months preceding screening were included. Research measures included changes in lumbar spine and hip bone, BMD, changes in bone biomarkers, fracture incidence, and safety.

The study findings appeared in the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).