A large meta-analysis of nine studies showed that both oral and IV bisphosphonates were associated with a significantly increased risk of new-onset atrial-fibrillation (AF). The analysis also showed that the risk was greater with the IV drugs. According to the lead author, Dr Abhishek Sharma (Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.) the meta-analysis suggests that bisphosphonates [...]
A John’s Hopkins Health Alert titled “How Long Is It Safe to Take Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis?” Should Raise Some Concerns Men on Long Term Bisphosphonate Therapy Hormone therapy (ADT) is notorious for many negative side effects, including osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone that increases the risk for fractures, especially hip and spine fractures. [...]
A recent meeting of an FDA advisory committee has asked wants the FDA to limit the duration of bisphosphonate therapy for treatment of osteoporosis, but the committee could not agree on a time limit to recommend. […]
According to data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008; 26:4426-34), once a week, bisphosphonate therapy improves bone density and improves turnover in prostate cancer patients with nonmetastatic disease who are on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). A second year of bisphosphonate therapy provides additional skeletal benefit, whereas discontinuation results in bone loss and increased [...]
On the advanced prostate cancer group I moderate there has been a discussion about the health risks of using Fosamax for an extended period of time. The risks of long term therapy remains unclear and mixed. The Physicans Desk Reference (PDR) indicates they have no idea what effects Fosamax may have after four years! Fosamax [...]
