Bisphosphonates: Building or Weakening Bones?
Posted by steppinitup on July 24th, 2008
Last time we spoke about Osteoporosis and some of the ways we as women forty and over can help to lessen our susceptibility to this disease. Interestingly enough, I came across an article in the Oregonian stating that many drugs used to build bone may actually do just the opposite.
Patients who have used bone building drugs called bisphosphonates for more than five years complain of weeks or months of aches and pains in the thigh bone. Some people have suffered fractures that are typical of an auto accident and even report that they believe the break happened BEFORE they hit the ground.
While doctors are stressing that these types of fracture are very rare, they are still happening. Bisphosphonates, which include Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva, have been prescribed to help patients avoid breaks. But long term use, over five years, seems to be doing just the opposite.
All of which leads to the importance of keeping your bones strong NOW. My last blog pointed out some ways to avoid Osteoporosis. For more information about your risk factor visit www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX
Source:
Parker-Pope T. (2008, July 24). Bone-Building drugs may do the opposite. The Oregonian, pp. E7
