The DEXA Scan is an essential tool in effectively measuring a patient’s bone mineral density (BMD) which is an indicator of the onset of osteoporosis. The BMD measurement, called a “T-score”, of 2.5 standard deviations below the mean normal value in young adults is the World Health Organisation’s definition of osteoporosis.

The machine has been leased to Timaru Radiology from the Christchurch Geriatrics Medical Research Trust through the efforts of trustee Dr Nigel Gilchrist. 

Up until now, Timaru specialists and GPs have had to refer their at-risk patients to Christchurch for their DEXA scans. A long and inconvenient journey for the mainly elderly sufferers of this disease, created a major obstacle to diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Daniel Ching, Rheumatologist at Timaru Hospital said, “The DEXA scan is the worldwide gold standard for measurement of bone density, and essential in order to receive subsidised treatment in NZ.  It’s anticipated that the proximity of the DEXA scanner in Timaru will encourage local specialists and GPs to have their patients tested for osteoporosis where there is a great need due to an increasingly elderly population.  South Canterbury DHB is the DHB with the highest percentage of elderly population in the country (over the age of 65).  Providing this service in Timaru will prevent patients from local and surrounding districts having to travel as far as Christchurch for their scan".

Trish Adams, Chairperson of Canterbury Osteoporosis Society said, “Osteoporosis is a serious illness affecting quality of life of many New Zealanders. The addition of a testing facility in Timaru will allow greater access to treatment.  Early detection is the best solution to this disease, the sooner treatment is started, the better chance the patient has of preventing future pain and suffering. We encourage anyone who thinks they might be at risk to seek advice from their doctor.”

Osteoporosis Treatment

Since February 2000, the Government's drug funding agency PHARMAC has fully funded the prescription medicine FOSAMAXÒ (alendronate, MSD) to patients who have had one fracture as a result of osteoporosis, and who have a low bone mineral density (BMD of ≥3 standard deviations below young normal mean base mass).  

A special authority application is needed in order to prescribe FOSAMAX.   Since March 1st 2004, PHARMAC have changed the access criteria by allowing the application to be made by a vocationally registered general practitioner (listed on the Medical Council of New Zealand Register) OR a relevant specialist (of any discipline). 

Before this change the special authority only applied to endocrinologists, rheumatologists, general physicians and gynaecologists, meaning that GPs would have to send the special authority application to the appropriate specialist to approve the recommendation of this medicine for the patient.  This system slowed down the process, put extra burden on the specialists, and had the potential to create unnecessary barriers for treatment.

About FOSAMAX

FOSAMAX is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and for reducing the risk of fractures, including those of the hip and spine.

Hip fractures are a leading cause of disability due to osteoporosis and can result in premature death.  FOSAMAX, the world's most widely used treatment for osteoporosis, is proven consistently to reduce the risk of fracture at the hip.  

The proven efficacy and tolerability of FOSAMAX, an oral bisphosphonate, has been confirmed throughout 10 years of osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women.  FOSAMAX has demonstrated consistent efficacy at reducing fracture risk at all skeletal sites. 

FOSAMAX, first introduced by MSD in 1995, works by suppressing bone resorption or bone loss.

FOSAMAX has been available in New Zealand as a once-daily tablet (10mg alendronate) since 1995 and as a once-weekly dose (70mg alendronate) since 2001.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING FOSAMAX (alendronate) 10 & 70 mg tablets:
FOSAMAX is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures, including those of the hip and spine (vertebral compression fractures). FOSAMAX should not be taken by patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction, food pipe (oesophageal) abnormalities, low calcium (hypocalcaemia) and have an inability to stand/sit upright for 30mins. Precaution should be taken when administering FOSAMAX to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems, impaired renal function and calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Common side effects are: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, food pipe (oesophageal) ulcer, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), abdominal distension, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and headache. FOSAMAX is a prescription only medicine, fully subsidised under special authority for those who meet specified criteria.  A prescription charge will apply. Consult your doctor to see if FOSAMAX is right for you, a normal doctors visit fee will usually apply. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. For detailed prescribing information, consult the data sheet or consumer medicine information (found by clicking on the links below or phoning 0800 500 673) or refer to the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz . [MPI-FSM-2]

Click here for Prescribing Information.

Click here for Consumer Medicine Information.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton caused by an imbalance in the body’s bone re-building cycle, resulting in loss of bone. Studies have shown that even a 10 percent loss of bone mass at the spine can double the risk of spinal fractures and 10 percent loss at the hip increases by 2.5 times the risk of hip fracture.

It’s estimated that over 30% of New Zealand women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.   Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further injury and pain for patients, improving their quality of life. 

Three easy steps in the detection and treatment of osteoporosis:

• Patient is identified by their GP as being at-risk or currently suffering from osteoporosis (symptoms such as a fracture or height loss)
• Patient is sent to have a DEXA Scan to confirm their bone density
• Results are checked and a course of treatment is advised

If you think you might be at risk, see your doctor.

 
What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA Scan is a relatively simple test, made up of a 30 minute appointment, which includes recording the patient’s medical history and noting any drug therapy the patient is currently on.   The scan is then performed and the output evaluated.  The resulting "t-score" determines the recommended course of treatment.

About Timaru Radiology

Timaru Radiology is a privately owned radiological practice, located at 23 Dee Street, Timaru. 

As well as the new DEXA scanner, Timaru Radiology also provides general x-ray services and ultrasound scanning.

TAPS NA 8728

®   Registered Trademark of Merck&Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA.  PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

For more information contact:

Dr Daniel Ching, Timaru Hospital

Phone (03) 684 4000

Or at consulting rooms 03-686 1994

Trish Adams, Canterbury Osteoporosis Society

Phone (0274) 346 731

Ron Murray

Merck Sharp & Dohme

Phone (09) 523 6112

Mobile (021) 243 9873

Email ron_murray@merck.com

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