Dr Jackie Blue MP
National Party Women’s Affairs Spokeswoman

21 October 2007

Government must heed osteoporosis report

The Government must heed a report by Osteoporosis New Zealand that reveals the disease that affects mostly women costs the country a staggering $1 billion a year, says National’s Women’s Affairs spokeswoman, Dr Jackie Blue.

Dr Blue says osteoporosis – also called the silent epidemic – is usually asymptomatic and often isn’t diagnosed until a fracture occurs.

“The key messages of prevention, early detection and effective treatment are just as appropriate for osteoporosis as they are for other health issues, but they don’t seem to be given any focus by government agencies like Pharmac and ACC.

“Pharmac recently devastated the health sector with its proposal for a sole supply contract that could see the standard once-weekly bone strengthening medication Fosamax switched to a daily medication.

“Taking this medication even once a week is a complete hassle as it needs to be taken on an empty stomach with the patient remaining upright for at least 30 minutes.

“Doctors are concerned that if the daily regimen becomes a reality for the 32,000 affected patients, many won’t bother taking it at all or will take it haphazardly.”

Dr Blue says there is also concern that bone density scans are not being ordered even when patients present with a fracture that is the result of a low-impact trauma such as falling onto an outstretched hand.

“The recommendation that ACC pay for a bone scan for low-impact trauma fractures, and that it become a standard part of the treatment plan, is eminently sensible and needs to be considered.

“It’s all about quality of life and preventing pain and disability with the possible bonus of huge cost savings to be made.”

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