A new drug has come to Australian market which would help up to 200,000 elderly osteoporosis patients to improve their bone density. The drug Fosamax would cost $36 a month under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and would $6 for pensioners. For those who are not covered under the PBS, they would have to pay $45 a month.

Experts are of the view that the drug would greatly help elderly people who have developed or have been developing osteoporosis. As per doctors, osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bones get weak and are prone to fractures. It generally happens due to the loss of essential minerals in the bones.

The Medical Director at Osteoporosis Australia, Peter Ebeling said that the drug would reduce spine and hip fractures by up to 50%. He further affirmed that PBS is helping the drug reach across masses. The cost under the scheme has become quite economic and would now be under the budget of elderly people.

"This is a significant move forward in terms of equitable access to medication - we do not want to see people being penalized because they are not able to pay for this drug”, said Professor Ebeling.

In addition, a study has been conducted by a Geelong Osteoporosis Society which also talks about increasing osteoporosis condition in Australia. The study that appeared in the Medical Journal of Australia has revealed that
12.9% elderly Australian men and 42.5% Australian women above 70 years are suffering from osteoporosis.

In this scenario, the availability of the drug would be of great use and would help these aged people to improve their bone density. Ebeling said that he is quite sure that hospitals would have fewer cases than before of hip and spine fractures.