Nasal Spray Reduces Fracture Risk in Women

By HospiMedica staff writers
Posted on 02 Oct 2000

A five-year study involving 1,200 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis has found that a nasal spray can reduce the risk of new fractures. The spray, called Miacalcin (synthetic calcitonin-salmon) reduced the incidence of new spinal fractures by 36% among women who had previously had one to five vertebral fractures.

Additional results showed a 45% reduction in multiple spinal fractures. During the five-year period, there was also sustained increase in lumbar spine mineral density and sustained suppression of bone turnover. Moreover, the study revealed a trend toward the reduction of hip fractures by 48% compared to women receiving placebo.

These results are encouraging for women who suffer from osteoporosis and support the use of a valuable and well-tolerated treatment for patients, said Dr. Charles Chesnut II, professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA, USA).