The economic burden of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease which charactherized by increased bone fragilitiy and fracture caused by deterioration of bone tissue and low bone mass. Osteoporosis reduces the durability of bone fragility and causes fracture by minimal traumas during daily life activities. As one of the diseases which incidence growed by the increasing life span and disrupts quality of life, osteoporosis became an important public health problem. Most important complication of osteoporosis is fractures and especially hip fractures results with increased morbidity and mortality. As a result, osteoporosis is in the agenda with the burden brings to patient, government and health institutions. Medical treatmenst of osteoporosis aims to prevent fractures, increase mineral density of bones, cure the symptoms and to increase the life quality of patients. Results of the bone density measurements evaluated with personal risk factors and medical treatments decided by physicians. There are lots of health technology unit about osteoporosis therapy in our country. Raloxifene, Risedronat, Alendrona and Ibandronat technologies are chosen to be `comparison agents?. All of calculations are made from the perspective of Repayment Institution and, Health Practice Statement are applied. Also medicine prices are projected with public discount. Average yearly costs of all medicines, side effects, ambulatory care services and clinical costs are identified: For Risedronat: 351,37 TL, for Raloksifen: 390,49 TL, for Alendronat: 278,07 TL and for Ibandronat: 331,3 TL. Repayment Insitiution should start studies both to reduce the economical burden in ostoeporosis and similar diseases, and to increase protective precautions before the disease emerges. These studies should especially include sub headings like education, awareness and providing consumptions about nutrition habits. Tremendous responsibilites have to be taken by Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Ministry of National Healh, Ministry of National Education and related organizations.