New Study Provides Additional Evidence of Risks Associated With Osteoporosis Drugs

A study published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) adds to the growing body of evidence as to the serious risks associated with a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis. The drugs, known as bisphosphonates such as Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium), Zometa (Zoledronate), Didronel (Etidronate), Aredia (Pamidronate), Actonel (Risedronate), and Boniva (Ibandronate) are commonly used to treat, prevent, and even reverse bone loss associated with osteoporosis, chemotherapy, and other bone loss disorders.

Researchers in the new study tried to determine whether prolonged bisphosphonate therapy is associated with an increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures (fractures of the thigh bone). After reviewing over 10,000 cases of various types of femoral fractures, they found that “among older women, treatment with a bisphosphonate for more than 5 years was associated with an increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures.“ The authors said the findings of the study “provide strong evidence that prolonged bisphosphonate therapy is associated with an increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture, although the absolute risk of these fractures is low.”

“ These findings also highlight the need for a thoughtful assessment of individual risk of fracture when considering extended bisphosphonate therapy and that long-term use of these drugs may warrant reconsideration, especially in patients at relatively low risk of fracture,” cautioned the researchers, who also recommended that additional research be carried out “to better understand the prognosis of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures among frail older adults, identify the specific subgroups of longterm users at the highest risk for these adverse effects, and explore whether interruptions in therapy reduce the risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures over the long term.”

Previously, an association has been found between some bisphosphonates prescribed for osteoporosis and a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (“ Dead Jaw”).

Do I have a Bisphosphonate Lawsuit?

The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience litigating and resolving lawsuits and claims all over the United States involving injuries caused by exposure to a variety of environmental and man-made pathogens. If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries that may be related to bisphosphonates we are here to help ensure that your rights are fully protected.

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