Bisphosphonates, also called diphosphonates, are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone mass and are usually prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of common osteoporotic bone fracture. The new safety warnings will be on all bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, Actonel, Actonel with Calcium, Boniva, Atelvia, and Reclast, as well as their generic equivalents.

The warning does not affect bisphosphonate drugs that are only used to treat Paget’s disease or high blood calcium levels due to cancer, such as Didronel, Zometa, Skelid, and their generics.

The new safety label changes include an increased risk of a type of atypical fractures of the thigh known as subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur fractures. Atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures are fractures in the bone just below the hip joint. Diaphyseal femur fractures occur in the long part of the thigh bone. These extremely rare fractures account for less than 1 percent of all hip and femur fractures, but are predominately reported in patients taking bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates serve an important role in the management of osteoporosis, and the agency says the 5 million or so customers who use the drugs should not stop taking them based on the announcement. Any concerns should be directed to their health care providers. The FDA advised doctors to consider if patients on bisphosphonates for more than five years still need the drugs.

SOURCE: Osteonecrosis and Fosamax › FDA warns of unusual thigh fracture from use of osteoporosis drugs

Fosamax is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates (also called diphosphonates) that inhibit osteoclast action and the resorption of bone. It is one of the more popular choices for the treatment of osteoporosis. Natural News warns that Fosamax has been shown to increase the risk of ulcers, especially if taken with anti-inflammatory drugs. The publication also questions whether the medication actually strengthens the bone or makes it weaker.

Fosamax may also carry an even more serious risk. Over the past few years, doctors have reported an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ. ONJ is a severe bone disease that causes a reduced blood supply to the bones of the jaw and results in damage or death to the jaw bone. Severe cases ONJ require the removal of the affected bone. Studies suggest the recent dramatic increase in the number of cases of ONJ may be linked to the use of bisphosphonate therapy, such as Fosamax. Diagosis of ONJ often has followed dental extraction where there was lack of healing, and spontaneous exposure of the cortical bone tissue.

Not surprisingly, Natural News suggests a more natural approach to treating osteoporosis. The publication suggests a diet rich in vegetables and herbs will improve bone metabolism far more effectively than diary products. And prevention is always the best course. Natural News suggests a diet high in fruits, vegetables and protein will help women arm themselves in the bone density battle.

SOURCE: Osteonecrosis and Fosamax › Osteoporosis treatment has serious risks; consider natural therapy