Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

M05 DRUGS FOR TREATMENT OF BONE DISEASES
Drugs used for the treatment of bone diseases, see also:
A11CC - Vitamin D and analogues
A12A - Calcium
A12CD - Fluoride
G03C/G03F - Estrogens/Progestogens and estrogens in combination
H05BA - Calcitonins
M05B DRUGS AFFECTING BONE STRUCTURE AND
MINERALIZATION
M05BA Bisphosphonates
This group includes plain preparations. Combination packages with
calcium for sequential use are classified in M05BB.
The DDDs for the bisphosphonates are based on the treatment of
osteoporosis if this is an approved indication.
The DDDs for clodronic acid, pamidronic acid, zoledronic acid,
parenteral etidronic acid and parenteral ibandronic acid are based
on tumor induced hypercalcemia. The oral DDD for ibandronic
acid is based on osteoporosis. Since the duration of the intravenous
treatment courses with the bisphosphonates are varying, from 1-5
days, the DDDs for these parenteral formulations are assigned
according to the total course dose. The DDDs for the oral
formulations, which are mainly used for maintenance therapy, are
assigned according to daily dosages.
The DDDs for alendronic acid, risedronic acid, and oral etidronic
acid are based on treatment of osteoporosis.
The DDD for tiludronic acid is based on the treatment of Paget’s
disease.
M05BB Bisphosphonates, combinations
M05BC Bone morphogenetic proteins
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