FDA OKs once-a-month osteoporosis pill

Osteoporosis sufferers soon will be able to take a monthly pill for their condition.

The Food and Drug Association has approved Boniva, the first monthly pill for brittle bones. Makers of the drug are Roche Holding AG and GlaxoSmithKline PLC, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Osteoporosis drugs previously had to be taken daily or weekly. They could be a hassle to take because patients had to stay standing for a period of time for the medication to take effect. Many patients discontinue treatment of osteoporosis drugs because of the way they must be taken.

While Boniva also requires patients to stand, it will be less burdensome because of the less-frequent dosage requirement. The companies estimate 44 million Americans over age 50 suffer from osteoporosis.