Understanding and Communicating the Benefits and Risks of Denosumab, Raloxifene, and Teriparatide for the Treatment of Osteoporosis

The number needed to treat is a valuable metric to determine the benefit of therapy, but it must be viewed against the respective number needed to harm. Denosumab and teriparatide (TPTD) have proven antifracture efficacy at vertebral and nonvertebral sites, whereas raloxifene has proven antifracture efficacy at the spine only. Denosumab use has been associated with a small, yet statistically significant, increased incidence of eczema and serious cellulitis. Raloxifene use has been associated with statistically significant increases in the risk of venous thromboembolism and possibly deadly stroke, although not an increase in total strokes.
Source: Journal of Clinical Densitometry - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research