Once Again Osteoporosis Drugs Increasing Fracture Risk

Just last September, it had been reported that drugs like Fosamax and Boniva were reported to cause femur fractures if used long term, now they are back in the news.

It has been reported that older women who take these medications commonly referred to as bisphosphonates ranging in a minimum of five years have a greater chance for atypical fractures of thigh bone occurring than in comparison to those women who use these medications for shorter periods of time.

The study discovered that taking these medications such as Fosamax or Actonel, for a period of five years or longer were linked to a 2.7 times greater risk of hospitalization for uncommon fractures of the femur in comparison to shorter usage of these drugs.

In layman's terms the risk for having these type of fractures was one in 1,000 women who take these medications for five years or longer according to researcher Laura Park-Wyllie, pharmaceutical and outcomes researcher at St. Micheal's Hospital in Toronto, Canada.

According to researcher Park-Wyllie, these fractures are different than regular fractures due to the fact no hip fracture would happen in the upper thigh bone or femur, which is close to the joint. The fractures researchers had studied had happened lower down from the hip, closer to the middle of the femur.

The findings from the study appear online in the issue of Journal of the American Medical Association. It is followed by a warning which had been issued in October from Health Canada about the possibly link of fractures due to these medications. This association has promoted the FDA to make changes in the drugs labeling.

Back in September the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research task force had reviewed 310 osteoporosis patients with these femur fractures and had found 94% of patients had been taking one of the medications.

Signs of the fracture

Signs of the possibility of a fracture in the thigh bone include new or unusual pain in the groin, hip or thigh area. Patients who are taking these medications that notice pain are currently being advised to see their health care practitioner.

Researchers note that even though it is a small risk, it is important to know.

Women with osteoporosis are more likely to have osteoporotic fracture (fractures of hip, spine and wrist) than those in the thigh bone. Women are advised not to stop their treatments because the benefits do outweigh the risks.

There are numerous factors which can place both men and women at high risk for fractures due to brittle bones which include:

Being age 65 or older

Family history of osteoporosis

Long-term use of medications like perdnisone.

Not enough calcium being taken in

It is also noted that women at low risk for fractures taking these medications of bisphosphonates should check with their health care practitioner about continued use.

There are some noted alternative treatments to aide with osteoporosis. Remember these treatments just as conventional ones are geared to building bone density and either halting the condition from happening or slowing down its progression.

Chiropractic

Regular chiropractic treatments can aide in pain relief from the disease as well as aiding in preventing injury from the disease. Chiropractic treatments aide in raising bone density, maintaining mobility and range of motion which aides in the prevention of risks and falls. If you have osteoporosis make sure you tell your chiropractor about your condition. Treatments are designed for each individual and chiropractors are trained in the area of osteoporosis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments can also be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis. Particular acupuncture points used can stimulate bone tissue growth and even replace tissue loss quickly to prevent decrease in bone density.

Herbs

A few herbs have been known to aide in osteoporosis.

Studies have demonstrated that Red Clover isoflavones can possibly slow down bone loss and may increase bone density.

Other studies have indicated that Black Cohosh may also stop bone loss.

Sources:

CBC

Detroit Examiner