Preferences of patients receiving bisphosphonates – How to influence the therapeutic adherence

Background Therapeutic adherence determines the efficacy of treatments in the clinical practice. Especially in chronic asymptomatic diseases large differences exist between therapeutic success in clinical studies and clinical practice. The treatment of osteoporosis using bisphosphonates is considerably influenced by the low adherence of patients due to the complicated drug application. Subjects and methods The VIVA study analyzed the preferences of 1635 patients with osteoporosis in Slovakia using a simple questionnaire. Results The majority of patients – 76% preferred the monthly regime of bisphosphonate therapy, 22% of patients preferred the weekly regimen and only a minority – 2% preferred daily application. Conclusion The results are in agreement with results of the BALTO study in the USA and the SWIFT study in Switzerland showing a clear preference to the monthly regime. The preferences of patients were motivated by various different aspects of improved quality of life, which is offered by the new bisphosphonate regimen once monthly.