Bisphosphonates and Fractures

Patrick Mickler — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:30:34 GMT

When a woman reaches menopause, she has many important decisions to make about her health. At this point, she needs to consider hormone therapy as well as the onset of osteoporosis. For years, doctors have prescribed a popular class of drugs called bisphosphonates to strengthen bones. This class includes named drugs Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast. According to WebMD, bisphosphonates are antiresorptive medicines that maintain or increase bone density and strength by slowing or stopping the natural process that dissolves bone tissue. With short-term use, these drugs have been very effective in strengthening bones. However, long-term use of these drugs has been associated with unusual fractures of the femur, commonly known as the thigh bone.

These fractures are unusual for two reasons. The femur is a very large and strong bone in the body, and the fractures occur in an unusual horizontal pattern nearly straight across the thigh (subtrochanteric fractures). In addition, the fractures are low-energy fractures, meaning that they happen from a fall from standing height or less. Researchers found that one-third of women who suffer these types of fractures were on long-term therapy to prevent osteoporosis. Of these women, two-thirds were taking Fosamax for over seven years.

Dr. Joseph Lane, chief of metabolic bone disease at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, discussed two possible explanations. Bisphosphonates slow down the development of new collagen, which is very strong. It is also possible that the drugs slow bone turnover, allowing accumulated microdamage in the bone to contribute towards fractures for certain women.

Despite the suspicions and observations of physicians, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in March that ruled out the link between oral bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs and thigh bone fractures. Despite its initial findings that there is no clear connection between bisphosphonates and atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures, the agency is continuing to consult outside experts to study the issue further.

Whether or not the FDA has found a clear connection, doctors and patients have observed the catastrophic injuries that have occurred during long-term use of bisphosphonates. In spite of these possible injuries, some still advocate for the use of bisphosphonates, because the fractures are rare. According to Dennis M. Black, PhD of the University of California, treating 1,000 women with bisphosphonates for three years would prevent 100 fractures, while only one would suffer an upper thigh fracture. Nevertheless, these statistics are of little comfort if you are the one to suffer the extremely painful fracture.

If you are taking bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis, please continue to take your medication unless your physician directs otherwise. Bisphosphonates are an effective means of strengthening bones, but there are risks for long-term use of the drug. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best use of the drug and length of treatment for your specific needs.

Originally posted at The Legal Examiner by Patrick Mickler

Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mixes Recalled

Chrissie Cole — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:30:00 GMT

Kroger is recalling two onion soups and dip mixes due to possible contamination with Salmonella.

Stores involved in the recall include: Kroger, Dillons, Fry's, King Soopers, City Market, Smith's, Food 4 Less, Jay C, Scott's, Owen's, Baker's, Gerbes, Hilander and Pay Less.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products. But eating food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a potentially life-threatening bacterial foodborne illness.

The recalled products are:

Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mix sold in 2-ounce packages with sell-by dates from JAN

06 11 through FEB 17 11 under the following UPC code: 0001111073293

Kroger Beefy Onion Soup & Dip Mix sold in 2.2-ounce packages with sell-by dates

from DEC 28 10 through FEB 23 11 under the following UPC code: 0001111073929.

The recalled mixes were sold in several states including Tennessee. View a complete list of stores and states involved in the recall.

Consumers should return the product to Kroger for a refund or replacement. For more information call (800) 632-6900.

Originally posted at The Legal Examiner by Chrissie Cole

Tennessee Personal Injury Blog - FDA & Prescription Drugs

Bisphosphonates and Fractures

Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mixes Recalled