A Research Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of MK0217 to Prevent and Treat Bone Loss (0217-193)(COMPLETED)

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 12-Month Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Alendronate Sodium Once Weekly for the Prevention and Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss

A research study to see how safe and effective MK0217 is when taken weekly for the prevention and treatment of steroid induced bone loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Man or woman aged 18 to 80 years, being treated with oral glucocorticoid (steroid), without vertebral fracture or prior osteoporotic fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mentally or legally incompetent, pregnant, alcohol or drug dependence, history of heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, upper gastrointestinal disease, cancer, being treated with hormone replacement therapy, or life expectancy of less than 3 years