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Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(11):853

Incorrect statement regarding etidronate's effect on hip fractures. In the Practice Guideline “ACP Releases Guideline on Treatment of Low Bone Mineral Density or Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures” (May 1, 2009, p. 808), the first sentence of the second paragraph (p. 808), which described the effects of etidronate (Didronel) on hip fractures, contradicted data presented in Table 1 (p. 811). Etidronate has not been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture and should not have been included in the list of drugs discussed. This error also appeared in the summary section of the original American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical guidelines. The sentence should have read as follows: “Bisphosphonates, including alendronate (Fosamax), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and risedronate (Actonel), have been shown to reduce vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fracture risk.” Another statement indicating that etidronate reduces vertebral fractures should have been added. The online version of this Practice Guideline has been corrected.

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