PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a randomized, double blind study. Patients will be stratified according to sex (male vs female) and osteoporosis disease severity (mild vs severe). Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms.
Patients undergo bioavailability assessment to confirm the ability to absorb alendronate.
Arm I: Patients receive calcium and vitamin D supplements with a placebo daily for one month.
Arm II: Patients receive calcium and vitamin D supplements with oral alendronate daily for one month.
Treatment continues if differences are seen in bone mineral density between the treatment arms.
Patients are followed for biochemical response at week 6, 12, and 52. Bone mineral density is measured at 1 year and 2 years.
Completion date provided represents the completion date of the grant per OOPD records
