Thigh Fractures Risk Related to Osteoporosis Medications – Probing Safer Choices

Individuals taking a grade of osteoporosis medicines known as bisphosphonates for more than 5 years might be facing an augmented danger of suffering from fracture in the femur region, according to a caveat lately raised by the FDA. The risk would be included in the labelling of this category of osteoporosis medicines. Those coming under this class are:

• Ibandronate (Boniva).
• Alendronate (Fosamax or its plus D version & generic types).
• Zoledronic acid (Reclast).
• Risedronate (Atelvia, Actonel alone or alongside calcium & generic versions).

The paradox is that such medications have been formulated for preventing fracture in bones, thus for osteoporosis patients or those who take any of the above mentioned medications here is the best approach to take.

Since long warning about the potential risk associated with bisphosphonate-based drugs have been surfacing. In case there has been diagnosis of low bone mass or density – a condition known as osteopenia or a condition preceding porous bone condition then several specialists firmly recommend non-medicine ways for reducing bone loss rather than intake of bisphosphonates. These include:

• Intake of vitamin D, calcium supplements for improving bone strength.
• Fall-proof the house – keep extension cables away from treaded paths, install grip handles in the bathrooms, rubber mat in the bathtubs or while showering & remove loose mats.
• Among osteoporosis patients who have been taking bisphosphonate-based medicines they should ideally take a medicine break subsequent to 5 years of usage. The reason is that such medications continue to stay active inside the body for protracted periods of time, despite stoppage of their intake. Hence their continued intake is not necessary until the physician ascertains that the person’s bone loss has turned out to be unbridled.
• In case one halts the intake of one’s medicine then one must get regularly checked with a physician for keeping tabs on one’s bone health.
• On the contrary, in case a person is at an elevated risk of bone rupture then he/she might be benefited from carrying on the intake of such medicines subsequent to 5 years. Optionally, coming to a decision of changing to another group of osteoporosis medicine could be taken into consideration.

Critical Pointers to Bear in Mind

• For those who take a bisphosphonate-based drug & are experiencing irregular aches or pains in the femur or hipbone must visit a physician as earliest as possible. This can be an indication that the person is at risk of or might, by then have developed a fractured thighbone.
• One must also be aware of the fact that bisphosphonate-based medications carry several risks which entail pains in the throat or trunk; problems faced when one swallows & pyrosis. Rarer though grave & long-term detrimental effects comprise of pains in the bones, joints and muscles; ONJ (Osteonecrosis of the Jaw) & perhaps irregular cardiac rhythms.