Bone drugs rank among the most heavily advertised, yet they may not work and many women may not need them. NPR reported that Merck hired a firm to stoke fears of osteopenia and push Medicare-reimbursable bone scans; Fosamax's esophageal side effects surfaced only after launch.
Section archive
Bisphosphonates
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Drug
Anti-osteoporosis drugs bisphosphonates may help reduce breast cancer risk?
A Journal of Clinical Oncology study of 4,039 postmenopausal Israeli women found those on bisphosphonates for more than a year had 28 percent lower breast cancer risk after adjustment. It was not a trial, so something else linked to the drugs could explain the difference.
Miscellaneous
FDA: Anti-Osteoporosis Bisphosphonates Linked to Leg Fracture
The FDA warned on October 13 that osteoporosis bisphosphonates including Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast may raise the risk of atypical thigh-bone fracture, while saying it remains uncertain whether the drugs cause it. Labels and Medication Guides must now carry the risk.
Drug
Anti-osteoporosis drugs bisphosphonates boost esophageal cancer risk
A UK case-control study in the British Medical Journal found people who took oral bisphosphonates over five years, or had more than 10 prescriptions, were twice as likely to have esophageal cancer as those who took less or none. The drugs showed no link to colorectal cancer.
Drug
Osteoporosis drugs bisphosphonates linked to esophageal cancer
A UK case-control study in the BMJ found people taking oral bisphosphonates for more than five years, with 10 or more prescriptions, were twice as likely to receive an esophageal cancer diagnosis — about 2 extra cases per 1,000 over five years. Stomach and colorectal risk did not shift.
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