February 22, 2011 |
Osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates have pros and cons that should be carefully considered by doctors and their patients, according to a new study assessing their impact. The medications, which include the brands Fosamax and Reclast, clearly reduce the risk of typical fractures caused by osteoporosis such as breaks in the hip and spine. However, the new study clarifies recent findings that the drugs increase the risk of other types of fractures. These so-called "atypical" fractures occur in the femur and in the bone just below the hip joint.
May 17, 2010 |
Q: I published the original article on cranberry juice cocktail and urinary tract infections (Journal of Urology, May 1984). We also demonstrated in several nursing home studies that cranberry juice cocktail, not the plain juice, works best. Please spare your readers the tartness of the straight juice. — Anthony E. Sobota, PhD A: Thank you for investigating this old wives' tale in such a scientific manner. Investigators have confirmed your original findings and explored why it works (Urology online, April 16, 2010)
October 9, 1995 |
What's new in the treatment of osteoporosis? Fosamax. Approved last week, Fosamax is the first new drug for osteoporosis in 20 years. The drug, chemically known as alendronate, helps to increase bone density. Calcitonin nasal spray. The hormone calcitonin, now available as an injectable medication, may soon be approved as a nasal spray. The medication helps slow the rate of bone loss. Sodium fluoride. An experimental regimen using a slow-release form of the chemical has shown promise in increasing bone strength and reducing the risk of fracture.
April 17, 2006
Re "Bone Drugs' Reverse Danger" [April 3]: A year ago, at age 67, I was prescribed Fosamax to treat beginning signs of osteoporosis. After the first dose, my neck and my thumbs became stiff and sore. After the second dose, my neck was so stiff that I was unable to drive because I couldn't turn my head. My thumbs were sore and swollen -- the doctor referred to them as "arthritis thumbs." However, the worst symptom was a burning sensation across the back of my scalp that was so severe I couldn't rest my head against a pillow and had to sleep sitting up. I stopped the medication.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
September 12, 1996 |
Fosamax, the first drug developed in 20 years to treat osteoporosis, also prevents the bone-thinning disease, according to a report presented Wednesday at a meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. The two-year study, led by Dr. Michael McClung of the Oregon Osteoporosis Center in Portland, involved 1,609 women ages 45 to 59 who had been through menopause but had not suffered any fractures. The results showed that women taking Fosamax had a 3.
July 20, 2009 |
My doctor just prescribed Prevacid for acid reflux. I am reluctant to take this medicine because I have heard it might lead to weakened bones. I already have severe osteoporosis because of a lengthy course of cortisone. This drug caused significant bone loss, so I am now taking Fosamax. I would hate to undo the benefits I have gotten on Fosamax, but the drug does cause bad heartburn. I feel caught in a dilemma. A surprising number of medicines have a negative effect on bone density.