updates

Osteoporosis Drug Causing Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:53:54 +0100

If you are afflicted by osteoporosis, it is highly likely that you are taking bisphosphonates as yourprimary medicine. With this, it is important that caution must be taken because osteonecrosis of the jaw has been found out among bisphosphonate users. This may be the reason why there is a debate going on if Fosamax long term use is still advisable.

The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine conducted a study about how bisphosphonates can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw among its users. The results of this study have been helping doctors to check on the gene variation of their patient with osteoporosis before putting them into a long term bisphosphonate treatment.

Fosamax is one of the most popular bisphosphonates being sold in the market today. However, there are also other bisphosphonate brand names like Reclast, Boniva, Zometa, and Aclasta. Essentially, these drugs inhibits the production of cells called osteoclasts which are responsible for the breakdown and resorption of bone. Most of the time, these are the kind of drugs considered first as a treatment for one’s osteoporosis. However, people who may have the gene for osteonecrosis of the jaw should consider other options.

Osteonecrosis is a condition which could lead to the loss of the entire jawbone especially people who have had invasive dental procedures done or have dental diseases are prone to osteonecrosis if given higher doses of bisphosphonates. The study suggested that those with the gene variation and on long-term or higher dosage bisphosphonates have a 5.8 times higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw with time.

As of now, there have been many different complications associated with the use of bisphosphonates apart from this osteonecrosis of the jaw condition. Before you take on using any kinds of bisphosphonate, consult your doctor first.

References:

empowher.com/osteoporosis/content/osteoporosis-drugs-could-cause-osteonecrosis-jaw?page=0,1

Fosamax and Death of the Jawbone

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:11:15 +0100

Fosamax is one of the most frequently prescribed bisphosphonate in the United States, with more that 37 million of written prescriptions by the year 2008. However, this no longer holds true to this day due to the many adverse events that has been reported which springs from its use. It has been widely reported that osteonecrosis of the jaw symptoms such as pain, loose teeth, swelling, drainage, jaw numbness, prolonged infection and exposed bone have a causative link to the use of the bisphosphonate drug. Then, there is also the issue of lawsuits being filed against the manufacturer of the drug. And results show that Merck is winning these Fosamax lawsuits.

Fosamax, is likewise known for its generic name alendronate sodium. It belongs to the bisphosphonates group of medicine. It may be taken orally or intravenously. These types of medicines interfere in the bone cycle formation process. The drug functions by slowing down bone loss thereby increasing naturally the bone mass. This process aids in the prevention of bone fracture. Fosamax may be prescribed to both men and women for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is given to women who suffered from osteoporosis due to menopause and to men, due to the use of steroids. The drug is also prescribed to patients who suffer from Paget’s disease, a disease in the bone characterized by brittle and malformed bones. People with osteopenia where the patient suffers from low bone mineral density are also prescribed with this drug.

As early as 2003, there have been reports linking osteonecrosis in the jaw (ONJ) to bisphosphonates. Osteonecrosis or “death of the bone” in the jaw is a dental condition in which the bone in the lower jaw or upper jaw is exposed following a dental extraction or other trauma to the jaw. The wound in the area does not heal normally giving rise to infections. Most reported cases of ONJ involved people with bone cancer who had been given bisphosphonates intravenously while undergoing chemotheraphy.

Aside from ONJ, a number of fosamax side effects have been reported such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, mild heartburn, dizziness, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, stomachache, mild nausea and vomiting. However, up to this date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not shown a clear connection between bisphosphonate use and the risk of bone related diseases such as ONJ. The FDA is still working with outside experts in cooperation with the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Task Force to gather and collate information that would settle the issues associating fosamax to ONJ and femur fractures.

Brittle-Bone Disease on Hollywood Artists

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:12:28 +0100

By and large, osteoporosis may hit anyone. Even one’s favorite celebrities are not immune to this problem. In fact, some of the TV personalities and actresses we see today are diagnosed with osteoporosis, and they manage to get by just seemingly fine. However, one cannot help but think whether they will be affected of the news that Merck wins sixth Fosamax lawsuit.

You might know her as a loud and comic TV show host poking fun at some celebrities' fashion faux pas, but actress and comedienne Joan Rivers goes unusually serious when it comes to osteoporosis. It was in 2002 that she found out that she is suffering from this brittle bone problem and since then, she had learn to fight against osteoporosis. The wisecracker contends osteoporosis with regular exercise, vitamin and dietary supplements and everything that her doctor tells her.

The Swiss actress and sex symbol of the 1960s, Ursula Andres would probably be among the last people likely to succumb to the bone-brittle disease. You would most likely remember her as the original James Bond's girl who was always up for action. The feeling is actually mutual as she herself cannot bear the thought of doing pretty much nothing, or worse, just lying on the bed the whole time.

Even the highly-opinionated host of "The View" Meredith Vieira was not able to get away from the disease. At present, she is actively involved in the National Osteoporosis Foundation's"Be Beautiful to the Bone: Know Yourself" to a 7-year contract as a paid spokesperson to spread awareness about the disease. Furthermore, this organization is funded by Merck and Co. Inc, the maker of the osteoporosis medication Fosamax.

Hollywood favorite Gwyneth Paltrow, still in-demand even at 37 years of age and 2 kids, loves to share her health and diet secrets that keep her in fabulous shape. She may have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis yet. However, she might have to deal with it soon.

After suffering a leg fracture, Ms. Paltrow was diagnosed to be in the early stages of osteopenia, the precursor condition of osteoporosis. Many speculations arose that her lifestyle is to blamed for this bone problem. Whatever the truth is, her doctor explained that her osteopenia might have resulted from abnormally low levels of vitamin D.

To summarize, osteoporosis does not choose who it hits. What is essential is to know how they can prevent this disease, which could affect their lives and how they cope with it. I was surprised that nothing was mentioned about these celebrities being affected by Fosamax and its femur fractures.

References:

thirdage.com/osteoporosis/5-celebs-osteoporosis

celebrities-with-diseases.com/celebrities/joan-rivers-speaks-out-about-osteoporisis-2984.html

Why Is The Side Effects of A Bisphosphonate Too Much To Handle?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:53:49 +0100

Studies have shown that bisphosphonates like Fosamax, which is a drug created to treat osteoporosis has dangerous long term side effects. In fact, more studies are being developed to explore more about this issue. And recently, a goat bone graft study explained the relationship between Fosamax and femur fractures.

Fosamax, a brand name for an alendronate sodium drug, is distributed by Merck & Co. And it has been a popular choice for doctors to prescribe to their patients who suffer from osteoporosis. Since its introduction, Fosamax has had a steady prescription rate at around 1.5 million prescriptions annually. These prescriptions have led to sales in billions for the distributor.

Right now, many Fosamax users are claiming that Merck failed to do proper research on the drug as well as give proper warning to its consumers about the potentially dangerous side effects of the drug. The cases against Merck regarding bone death and many other allegations have already been lodged in courts.

Claims are also starting to come from those who say that there was not enough warning on the bottles of Fosamax prescribed to them. These patients also state that if they had read anything that stated that Fosamax had the potential to harm them in any dangerous way, they would have never taken the drug in the first place. Many of these claims have come after the fact that the patient has already suffered an adverse effect from the drug. And now, a Fosamax lawsuit is on a continuous increase.

References:

biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/13/44/abstract

Post Menopausal Bleeding

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 22:48:59 +0100

Different changes come to different people as they age. For women, the process of going through menopause is by far the most expected. One of the sad things that can be a consequence of this condition is osteoporosis. There are osteoporosis medicines that can help lessen the risks. It is also interesting to note that these osteoporosis treatments can help people with leukemia. However, we must take into account that osteoporosis may only be recognized when it is already too late due to the delayed appearance of its symptoms. In this case, it may be more helpful to focus at least on early problems that come with menopause.

A requirement of 12 consecutive months without menstruation must happen before a woman will be called fully menopausal. Although after a year without it a woman may resume bleeding due to hormonal changes. However, there are also serious reasons why postmenopausal bleeding happens. Here are some:

Poor Diet

Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies may cause postmenopausal bleeding, according to Women to Women, a group specializing in women’s health. During menopause, there is an influx of hormones. When the body is not properly nourished, it will not be able to operate adequately. Proper diet must be taken into account so that things like this can be prevented.

Severe Weight Loss

If ever one decides to lose weight, one should do it wisely. By wisely, it means do it carefully over a long period of time. A drastic weight loss can be problematic because it may disrupt one’s hormonal equilibrium. When it comes to menopausal women, consequences like postmenopausal bleeding may happen.

Stress

When a life-altering situation happens, it can have a dangerous effect on a woman’s body. For this reason excessive stress must be taken seriously because it may bring many negative effects.

There are still many other reasons why postmenopausal bleeding may happen. It is important to check things out with a doctor about problems concerning this situation. You can also ask about synthetic medicines that can help, like Fosamax, whose manufacturer is currently facing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

References:

womentowomen.com/menopause/postmenopausalbleeding.aspx

spirehealthcare.com/Harpenden/Post-Menopausal-Bleeding-Clinic/

library.mothernature.com/l/symptoms-their-causes-cures/post-menopausal-bleeding_2256.html

Things We Need to Know About Osteoporosis

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:25:34 +0100

Osteoporosis is a critical bone illness that has already impacted more than 10 million Americans – and maybe 34 million more in the near future, U.S. health authorities say. This has been considered a big problem that thousands of medical research are being made about it every year. Recently, Arizona researchers discovered a new connection between osteoporosis and vitamin D.

The risk factors for osteoporosis are divided into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable factors refer to those that can be changed to improve your well-being while non-modifiable factors are those which could no longer be changed. Though the latter could not be reversed, knowing them will give us a better estimate of our own risks of suffering the disease.

Here are the non-modifiable factors of osteoporosis:

Gender. Compared to men, women are twice likely to suffer from the illness. Higher bone mass is a characteristic attributed to men, making them experience a slow rate of bone loss as compared to women. This is the reason why they are less likely to develop the condition. Nonetheless, osteoporosis has been detected in as many as two million American men..

For some time, your bone density remains normal and there is a good balance in the bone remodeling cycle. However,as you grow older, bone mass begins to decrease, leaning towards osteoporosis. Women in particular start to lose bone mass years, at a rate that runs faster, after menopause.

Race/Ethnicity. Although adults from all ethnic groups may develop osteoporosis, Caucasian and Asian adults in particular face an even greater risk.

Body Type. Osteoporosis seem to pose a bigger threat to people with small and thin figure.

Family and personal history. This brittle bone disease seems to run in the family. Nonetheless, a family history of fractures also insinuates higher fracture risk. Also, people who have obtained a fracture in the past are more likely to endure another fracture than healthy individuals with the same age and sex.

If you feel susceptible to osteoporosis based on the risk factors mentioned above, it is advised that you ask your doctor about your risk. Early detection is important because proper prescription can be done. Usually, Fosamax is the drug prescribed but with the issues of a Fosamax class action lawsuit, things are slowly changing.

References:

mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128/DSECTION=risk-factors

medes.fr/home_fr/applications_sante/osteoporose/eristo/osteoporosis/Bone_Remodeling.html

umm.edu/patiented/articles/who_gets_osteoporosis_000018_5.htm

Detecting Osteoporosis

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:14:47 +0100

When all the risk factors are duly considered, no one is safe from osteoporosis, medical experts say. As of the latest count, more than 10 million Americans, both men and women, have already been identified to have acquired this brittle bone disease with 34 million more at high risk. So that health plans will be initiated sooner, detecting the disease before it develops further is crucial. As a result, it was discovered that osteoporosis can be prevented through protein-rich diet.

Many people push hard in preventing or treating osteoporosis, although some of their measures may not be therapeutic at all. For example, drugs like soy supplements that not diminish symptoms of osteoporosis are being included in their therapy since many believed they are beneficial.

To determine if you are a candidate for osteoporosis, your bone mineral density (BMD) is being measured. The role of screening for osteoporosis is very crucial on your therapy; hence, listed below are some procedures that you might get to meet during checkup.

Dexa Scan (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry or DXA)

In measuring BMD, most doctors prefer DXA. The DXA scanner works by releasing 2 x-ray beams with varying amount of energy, one has a higher level and the other has lower. The amount of x-rays that passes through the bone determines the thickness of the bone and from there, the density of the bone can be measured.

Quantitative Computed Tomography

QCT bone densitometry uses high amount of exposure to radiation and costs a lot of money causing it to be unavailable for general clinical use. It uses CT scanner to get an accurate measurement of your bone health. The mechanism of action for QCT still uses a CT scanner and because it is 3 dimensional, this procedure is 2-3 times more sensitive that DXA scan.

Ultrasonography

The ultrasound is a relatively new diagnostic tool to measure BMD which does not require the use of radiation. The sonar beam is directed to a certain area where the scattering and the absorption of the waves will allow the assessment of BMD. This fairly new tool is still not as precise as the previous two techniques and perhaps more research are still being conducted about it.

Life with osteoporosis is never a joke. The bouts of the disease itself may already be a great suffering; and if you are taking bisphosphonates, the adverse effects of the drug may also be another. For instance, some long-term Fosamax users claimed they have been harmed by the prolonged use of the drug which triggered them to file a lawsuit against its maker. Now, as these lawsuits kept on increasing in number, the makers of the drug have to face a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

References:

newportbodyscan.com/OsteoporosisFAQ%27s.htm#6
webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/dexa-scan

Is Coffee Really Good For You?

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:57:17 +0100

Coffee is a daily staple to many people’s lives. Often they need it to function better in their day-to-day activities. A recent study shows how coffee reduces the effectiveness of drugs like Fosamax. This should be helpful in deciding whether we still want to drink coffee. Meanwhile, here are other bad effects of coffee:

Addictive

The main ingredient of coffee is caffeine, which is known to have properties that can be addicting or habit-forming. Like how drugs can be addicting is how also coffee addiction works. Once you start drinking coffee, you will find it difficult to resist drinking it again. The body will look for the coffee’s effect. In the long run, an amount must be increased. When you are unable to have the substance, being drowsy and groggy will then occur.

Diuretic

Diuretic properties are present in coffee. The body will then be accustomed to the occurrence of frequent urine discharge. A problem can occur once you fail to drink coffee because the body may react negatively.

Increased Stress

The body’s response to stress may be exaggerated in the presence of coffee. As a result, blood pressure increases, especially when you are under stress. The constant increase of blood pressure is bad because heart problems and other medical conditions can occur.

Hunger

One of the most affected part of the body when coffee is taken in is its metabolism properties. Once caffeine is consumed, there is an increase in the body's ability to process energy from food digested in the stomach. This will used up a lot of energy which can result to different problems. Hunger will then happen because it will help replenish the lost energy.

Coffee consumption can also make the body’s insulin resistance increased. In order to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), it will react with the blood’s sugar. As this will make the digestive tract unable to process energy, hunger will happen.

Teeth Discoloration

When coffee consumption is done daily, teeth can be stained, giving off a yellowish tint. This can be problematic for your confidence as it will make your smile unappealing. This can be tagged as an appearance problem. But this can result to deeper things. The discoloration of the teeth can affect the teeth’s enamel. In the future, decay and sensitivity of the teeth will happen. In the long run, the enamel may be damaged, which is irreplaceable.

Currently, Fosamax femur fractures were reported, from which this discussion has started and through which coffee has had a bad effect on it. Benefits can also be gotten through coffee. Decrease in the risks of Alzheimer’s Disease, its potential anti-diabetic property, and its role as an antioxidant are just some of these benefits. The benefits of coffee can be cultivated by taking it moderately. Moderate coffe intake will less likely result to bad side effects.

References:

health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_risk

professorshouse.com/Food-Beverage/Beverages/Hot-Drinks/Articles/Health-Effects-of-Coffee/

pnwf.org/CoffeeEdited041001.pdf

Fosamax and Its Side Effects

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:24:05 +0100

Fosamax is a very popular drug with around 37 million written prescriptions in just one year. But positive impressions are now changing as its adverse impacts have been reported. Femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are just a few of the side effects being talked about. Now, women using Fosamax are advised to undergo a regular femur scan.

Fosamax is generically known as alendronate sodium. This drug belongs to the group of medicines called biphosphonates that has a special role in the bone cycle formation. It slows down bone loss while increasing bone mass and helping in the prevention of bone fracture.

Men and women who have been afflicted of osetoporosis due to menopause or the use of steroids can find benefits in Fosamax. People with brittled and malformed bones or people afflicted with Paget’s Disease can also find help in this drug. The use of this drug is also beneficial among those who are suffering from osteopenia, which is a medical condition in people who have low bone mineral density.

Oftentimes, Fosamax therapy has some issues with drug to drug interaction. Femur fracture problems are now being considered among other drugs.

Besides the anticipated effects, Fosamax intake may also cause unintended side effects to the body, some of which are positiveand otherwise less favorable. However, off-label use of the drug should not be practiced because of the serious effects of the drug to the body.

Side Effects of Fosamax

You need to consult your doctor if any of these less serious side effects persist or become bothersome during your Fosamax therapy:

· Constipation or diarrhea

· Bloating or feeling full, mild heartburn

· Dizziness, headache, eye pain

· Mild back, muscle, or joint pain

· Mild nausea, vomiting or stomach pain

The use of Fosamax should be stopped if the following happens and medical attention should happen as soon as possible.

· Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing)

· Chest pain

· Difficulty (dysphagia) or painful (odynophagia) swallowing

· Pain or burning sensation under the ribs or in the back

· Severe heart burn, burning epigastric (upper stomach) pain, or coughing of blood

· New or worsening heartburn

· Fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms

· Severe musculoskeletal pain

· New or unusual pain in your thigh or hip

· Jaw pain, numbness or swelling.

Considerations in using Fosamax should only be decided under the advice of a physician. The doctor must also advised the number of days the person can take in Fosamax The possible consequences regarding the use of this drug must also be asked from a doctor considering that the number of people filing a Fosamax lawsuit is on a constant increase.

References:

http://www.examiner.com/women-s-health-in-los-angeles/women-taking-bisphosphonates-may-need-screening-radiography

http://www.rxlist.com/fosamax-drug.htm

The Effects of Fosamax

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:24:25 +0100

Femur fractures may happen anytime. There can be many reasons why this bone condition happens but even mundane activities can be enough of a reason like athletic jumping on a rope with your neighborhood children. This condition has started many researches and the use of biphosphonate drugs like Fosamax were found out to result in femur fractures. Fosamax and another biphosphonate are now being tested on space stations.

Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called biphosphonates, which are used in preventing the loss of bone mass and is usually prescribed as treatment for osteoporosis. Unexpectedly, the number of reports from Fosamax users claiming that they sustained spontaneous fracture as a result of the long-term use of the drug continues to rise.

The break in the continuity of the bone that occurs even without the use of any force or involvement of trauma is what we call a spontaneous fracture. Mundane activities like walking down the steps and standing for a certain duration or playing jumping rope with kids were the only things engaged when the break in the bone may happen.

Long-terms users of this drug reported that it is not only femoral fractures they are experiencing as a side effect of this particular biphosphonate. Fosamax is also connected to medical conditions like osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known to many as ONJ, Dead Jay or Bis-Phossy Jaw, as well as severe musculoskeletal pain. Its manufacturer Merck may already have known about the risks for ONJ but chose to do without properly informing the patients.

As a biphosphonate, Fosamax alters the bone cycle formation and reduces the bone density. This mechanism of action also prevents bone resorption, exposing its patients to certain types of bone break. Postmenopausal women have been prescribed with biphosphonates but there is no indication regarding the length of use. Right now, doctors are putting a five-year limit to the course of treatment using biphosphonates.

Biphosphonates have been very popular that around 37 million prescriptions were written for it around 2008. It is depressing when you think about the number of women out there suffering from brittle bones and may sustain spontaneous fracture as a result of the long-term use of the drug. These kind of situations have actually led to many people filing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.