IOF endorses a:care to strengthen medication adherence in osteoporosis management
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the world’s largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to bone health, has officially endorsed a:care, a behavioral science-based initiative by Abbott designed to improve medication adherence in chronic disease management, including osteoporosis.
This endorsement marks a significant milestone in the global effort to reduce the burden of osteoporosis-related fractures, which continue to rise despite the availability of effective treatments. Poor adherence to prescribed osteoporosis therapies remains one of the most critical barriers to successful long-term outcomes.
A shared mission: Supporting HCPs and empowering patients
The a:care program is built on a foundation of behavioral science and real-world evidence. It provides healthcare professionals (HCPs) with tools and training to better understand the psychological and behavioral drivers of non-adherence. At the same time, it empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment journey through personalized education and motivational support.
By endorsing a:care, IOF recognizes the program’s potential to close the adherence gap and improve patient outcomes in osteoporosis care.
Dr Philippe Halbout, CEO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
“We can no longer accept preventable fractures as an inevitable part of aging. The truth is, we have medications that work—yet too many patients stop taking them before they can help. Supporting adherence isn’t just good medicine; it’s a moral imperative. Fractures can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, and even premature death, profoundly disrupting patients’ lives. Every missed opportunity to support adherence is a risk we can’t afford to ignore. For this reason, the International Osteoporosis Foundation is pleased to endorse the A:Care program, which is based on robust research and places a strong emphasis on supporting the education of healthcare professionals and empowering patients to make positive changes in their behaviour. It’s turning evidence into action—and will help more people live stronger, safer lives.”
About the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. IOF’s network includes membership committees comprised of scientific experts, 340 patient, medical societies and universities in more than 150 countries, as well as over 1100 Fracture Liaison Services in all regions of the world.
The IOF network is united in its mission to prioritize bone health and fracture prevention, striving toward a shared vision of a world free from fragility fractures, where healthy mobility is a reality for all. @iofbonehealth
Websites: www.osteoporosis.foundation ; www.capturethefracture.org ; www.worldosteoporosisday.org ; www.buildbetterbones.org
Patients at high risk often include those with a personal or family history of fragility fractures, prolonged use of glucocorticoids, chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, or early menopause.1 Tools like the FRAX® (Fracture risk assessment tool) can help assess fracture risk even before a DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is performed.2
DXA is used for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). A T-score ≤ -2.5 confirms osteoporosis.3
Patients may discontinue treatment due to lack of symptoms, fear of side effects, beliefs, or misunderstanding the benefits.4 Addressing these concerns through clear communication, shared decision-making, and behavioral support programs like a:care can support patients to improve adherence and outcomes.
Post-fracture care should include pain management, fall prevention strategies, rehabilitation, and initiation or continuation of osteoporosis treatment. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) and structured follow-up are essential to ensure patients remain on therapy and reduce the risk of future fractures.5
Hip fractures are the most serious consequence of osteoporosis. They carry a high risk of death—up to 24% of patients die within a year—and often lead to lasting disability. Many survivors lose their independence: 40% can’t walk unaided, and 60% need help with daily activities. These fractures also place a heavy emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. Preventing them through early treatment and fall prevention is critical to saving lives and preserving quality of life.6
Non-adherence in osteoporosis isn’t just a matter of missed pills. It’s a major clinical risk. Around 20–30% of patients never even start their prescribed oral bisphosphonate treatment. And among those who do, about 40% stop within the first year.7
This matters because when patients don’t take their medication as prescribed, their risk of fractures increases by about 30%. If they stop treatment altogether (non-persistence), the risk jumps even higher by 30 to 40%.7
