Osteoporosis drug linked to fractures
Osteoporosis drug linked to fractures
Last Updated: 2008-07-09 13:44:06 -0400 (Reuters Health)
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Prolonged use of Fosamax, also referred to by the generic name bisphosphonate alendronate, may increase the risk of fractures of the femur, the large thigh bone that connects the leg to the hip, according to physicians at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
There has been a build-up of evidence suggesting that long-term alendronate use may overly suppress bone metabolism, limiting the repair of microdamage and increasing the risk of fractures, Dr. Joseph M. Lane and colleagues report in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.
To investigate this risk, the New York-based research team reviewed all 70 patients femoral fractures admitted to their Level 1 trauma center between 2002 and 2007. The average patient age was 75 years and the group included 59 women. Records showed that 25 patients (36 percent) were being treated with alendronate.
Nineteen of the 20 patients who had the same fracture pattern were also taking alendronate, the authors report. The other patient was later diagnosed with cancer.
The average duration of alendronate use was significantly longer in patients with femoral stress fractures than in the six treated patients without this type of fracture, 6.9 years versus 2.5 years, respectively.
Otherwise, there were no significant differences in age, race, weight or history of osteoporosis among patients with and those without this fracture pattern, the report indicates.
Lane and his associates call for further research to determine if this effect is associated with all bisphosphonate drugs and if it became apparent first with alendronate because this drug has been available for the longest time and is the most widely used.
In the meantime, "physicians prescribing bisphosphonates for longer durations should monitor patients for indications of bone regeneration," Lane advises in a university press release. If a blood test shows a low level of bone turnover, he recommends that bisphosphonates be discontinued until levels return to normal.
SOURCE: The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma May/June.
http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2008/07/09/eline/links/20080709elin031.html
I am cofused.
http://www.drugs.com/fosamax.html
states:
-->Fosamax is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Fosamax slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.<--
Is this reporting saying that it does the opposite?
I would be laughing my butt off - but I feel for the people that are on this stuff.
-->Fosamax can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus<--
-->For at least the first 30 minutes after taking an Fosamax tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.<--
-->Some people using medicines similar to Fosamax have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. ... Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing dental problem<--
-->Fosamax is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements<--
So here is a drug - that not only does not work - but does the opposite. It causes all kinds of bad side effects. It is a pain to take. And you still have to change your diet and supplements.
If you simply changed to a low carb / glycemic diet, took proper supplements, and got some moderate exercise - you would not only improve your bone health - but the side effects are that your overall health improves also.
You INCREASE lean body mass (bones, organs, muscle).
Why would anyone do this?
Why would any responsible "health expert" prescribe this stuff?
http://money.cnn.com/2005/04/21/news/fortune500/merck/index.htm
-->Fosamax sales are projected at $3.3 billion to $3.6 billion worldwide this year, according to Merck<--
Never mind. I answered my own question.
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Spontaneous Mid Femur Fractures on Bisphosphonates
Dr. Odvina's 2005 report of spontaneous femur fractures in women on fosamx raises questions about the bisphosphonate class of drugs.
This report by Odvina has been duplicated by Goh with his 2007 report in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery of subtrochanteric femur fractures with minimal trauma in women on long term fosamax.
A third report of spontaneous fractures in menopausal women on fosamax was just reported in the New England Journal March 20, 2008 by Dr. Joseph M Lane. How many menopausal women must suffer spontaneous mid femur fractures before we declare enough is enough and ban this entire class of drugs?
To read more....
http://jeffreydach.com/2008/03/09/bisphosphonates-for-osteoporosis-a-closer-look-at-the-data-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis, A Closer Look at the Data by Jeffrey Dach MD
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
www.drdach.com
www.naturalmedicine101.com
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