Breaking news from the world of brittle bones! A recent study, a “target trial emulation” (which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie but is just a fancy way of saying they looked at a ton of real-world data), has found some seriously intriguing information for those of us over the age of 50. The topic? The two main players in fracture prevention: bisphosphonates and denosumab.

Bone-A-Fide Benefits: Bisphosphonates Win The Longevity Race 🏆

If you’ve ever had a fracture or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you’re likely familiar with bisphosphonates (like Fosamax or Reclast) or denosumab (Prolia). Both are designed to strengthen your bones and prevent a repeat performance of a broken hip or wrist. But which one is better? According to a large Australian study, bisphosphonates appear to have a surprising edge.

Here’s the juicy part:

• A “Bone” to Pick with Denosumab: The study found that men and women who started taking a bisphosphonate after a fracture had a 21% and 29% lower risk of death from any cause, respectively, compared to those who took denosumab. Yes, you read that right—bisphosphonates were linked to a longer life!
• The Shocking Twist: The researchers believe this survival advantage isn’t just about stronger bones. Bisphosphonates may have other “non-skeletal benefits” that are yet to be fully understood. It’s like finding out your daily vitamin also gives you the ability to fly… well, maybe not quite, but it’s a pleasant surprise!

Multi-taskers With Multimorbidities

The study’s most valuable finding might be for those of us who have more than one health condition (or, as they say in the medical world, “multimorbidities”). Over 60% of all fractures occur in people who fit this description, yet they’re often left out of clinical trials. This research specifically focused on this group.

The results were clear: bisphosphonates consistently provided a mortality benefit across most of the health clusters examined. Whether you had heart conditions, diabetes, or even chronic kidney disease, bisphosphonates seemed to be the better bet for survival.

But wait, there’s a catch (or two):

• For those with mental health conditions, neither drug showed a significant difference in mortality risk.
• When it came to simply preventing a future fracture, both bisphosphonates and denosumab performed pretty much the same. So, while one might help you live longer, both are good at keeping your bones from cracking again.

This isn’t to say denosumab is a bad choice. It’s an effective medication for preventing fractures, and for some, it might be the right fit. But this study offers a compelling reason to have a serious conversation with your doctor about bisphosphonates, especially if you’re over 50 and have other health considerations. After all, when it comes to living life to the fullest, every little bit—and every single bone—counts!

Source:

Bisphosphonates Linked With Lower Death Risk After Low-Trauma Break