INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a well-recognized disease with severe consequences if left untreated. The prevention of osteoporosis-associated fractures should include fall prevention, calcium supplementation and life-style advice, as well as pharmacological therapy using agents with proven antifracture efficacy. AREAS COVERED: This manuscript offers an evidence-based critical assessment of the currently available efficacy data on all new chemical entities that have been granted a marketing authorization for the management of primary osteoporosis in women. EXPERT OPINION: The availability of new therapeutic agents makes clinical decision making in osteoporosis more complex. Therapeutic decisions should be based on a balance between the benefits and risks of treatment, which must be carefully considered in each particular case, both by the physician and the patient. Indeed, no single agent is appropriate for all patients. Therefore, treatment decisions should be made on a tailor-made basis, taking into account all measures of treatment effect and risk, before making informed judgments about the best individual treatment option.