It is possible to have osteoporosis without knowing it. Often the first sign of this serious disease is a broken bone.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones lose density and quality, causing the skeleton to weaken over time and fractures to sometimes occur. Left untreated, the most common bones that fracture are the vertebrae (spine), wrist and hip. Fractures are extremely painful and can lead to stooped posture, long-term hospitalisation and/or loss of mobility and independence.

In this image, the left-hand part shows normal bone density, while the right-hand section shows osteoporotic bone.¹

Normal bone density

Osteoporotic bone

* Artistic rendition


WHO'S AT RISK?
Osteoporosis is a major health issue in New Zealand – affecting more than half of women and nearly a third of men aged over 60. People most at risk include:

• Those who seem relatively susceptible to fractures/broken bones
• Those with a family history of osteoporosis
• Postmenopausal women
• People who have been taking steroid-based medicines.

HELP FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
Most people don’t know when they have osteoporosis. Bone loss is gradual and there are usually no symptoms or warning signs until a broken bone occurs, which is often the first sign.

In many cases osteoporosis can be treated. If you are at risk, talk to your doctor about FOSAMAX PLUS^®. FOSAMAX PLUS^® is fully funded for many of those at risk from osteoporosis.

FOSAMAX PLUS^®
FOSAMAX PLUS^® is a clinically demonstrated treatment for osteoporosis providing powerful fracture risk prevention.

FOSAMAX PLUS^® has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fractures by 63% at 18 months in women with and without prior fractures.²
FOSAMAX PLUS^®  not only helps prevent the loss of bone but actually helps to rebuild bone and makes bone less likely to fracture. Thus, FOSAMAX PLUS^® can help reverse the progression of osteoporosis.

It’s important not to ignore the signs. If you or someone you know is at risk, ask your doctor about the benefits of FOSAMAX PLUS^®.

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1-2 Data on file. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING FOSAMAX Plus (alendronate /colecalciferol) 70 mg/ 70mcg (2800 IU Vitamin D3) tablets: FOSAMAX Plus is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in select patients where Vitamin D supplementation is recommended. FOSAMAX Plus should not be taken by patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction, food pipe (oesophageal) abnormalities, low calcium (hypocalcaemia) and have an inability to stand/sit upright for 30mins. Precaution should be taken when administering FOSAMAX Plus to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems or impaired renal function. Common side effects are: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, food pipe (oesophageal) ulcer, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), abdominal distension, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and headache. FOSAMAX Plus is a prescription only medicine fully subsidised under special authority for those who meet specified criteria. A prescription charge will apply. Consult your doctor to see if FOSAMAX Plus is right for you, a normal doctor’s visit fee will usually apply. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. For detailed prescribing information, consult the data sheet or consumer medicine information phone 0800 500 673, or refer to the Medsafe website
www.medsafe.govt.nz [MPI-FSP-6] 04-10-FMP-09-NZ-5383-JA TAPS CH2308


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