A prospective, randomized and double blind once-monthly oral Ibandronate and Risedronate in post-menopausal osteoporosis leprosy patients

Objectives: The aim of the current investigation was to compare relative efficacy, tolerability and adherence of once monthly regimen of oral Ibandronate and Risedronate in postmenopausal osteoporotic leprosy patients with its impact on severity of the disease and quality of life. Method: This double blind, comparative study was conducted among 200 postmenopausal osteoporotic leprosy patients. The enrolled participants were screened for various diagnostic parameters. The participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral Ibandronate (150 mg single tablet- once monthly) or oral Risedronate (150 mg single tablet- once monthly) for a period of one year. Results: Present study showed that treatment with both Ibandronate and Risedronate increased hip BMD, and Z-test with repeated measurements was used to examine the significance of the longitudinal changes in the BMD. The difference in the efficacy of the two drugs in increasing hip BMD might be attributed to the greater efficacy of Ibandronate in reducing bone turnover than that of Risedronate. Conclusion: Once monthly Ibandronate has a potential to decrease the severity of osteoporosis as compared to once monthly Risedronate. Also, the quality of life in terms of general health status, physical activity and pain, limitation in daily activity and the emotional status in postmenopausal osteoporotic leprosy patients is better with Ibandronate than that of Risedronate.