About 11% of women 55 years of age and older take drugs containing bisphosphonates (including Fosamax, Aclasta, Actonel, Altevia, and Boniva) to treat and prevent osteoporosis. This drug has been under increased scrutiny since a link was suspected between long term use and bone death (osteonecrosis) of the jaw and an increase in atypical femur fractures.
Fosamax, Used to Treat Osteoporosis, Is Linked To Unusual Bone Fractures in The Femur
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqztEBmF0yY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
The panel advised that further information should be placed on the label regarding the length of time patients should take the drug, but it stated the need for further long term use studies were needed in order to determine what that length of time should be.
Click here to read the CBS News Article: FDA Panel Unclear on Osteoporosis Drug Labels
The full FDA Bisphosponate Background Document can be found here.
If you or a loved one has suffered an atypical femur fracture, click here to learn more about the Brandi Law Firm Fosamax Attorneys.