The study from the University of Galway said the “treatment gap” for the bone disease is much wider than originally thought. The research involved analysis of case studies of more than 5,000 men and women referred to the Galway University Hospital osteoporosis service. “Overprescribing in low-risk people has led to a false impression – an ecologic fallacy – that the treatment gap that we have for osteoporosis patients in Ireland is actually quite small,” said Prof Carey. “A national osteoporosis programme would help address these anomalies, reduce waste and harm for the patient and improve treatment for those most likely to benefit. Prof Carey said researchers found that calcium and vitamin D are being widely prescribed and overused in the mistaken belief that they are a treatment for osteoporosis.

Source: The Herald October 20, 2024 15:39 UTC