Osteoporosis drugs may produce healthy statistics, but not healthy people
Not so long ago, my youngest son Michael asked me to help him with his Biology homework. While I was absent-mindedly thumbing through his 300 plus page textbook, a sinking feeling swept me right away…and stayed with me for quite some time.
At first I could not figure out why I suddenly felt that way, but soon I realized what had happened. In my own mind, the impersonal style of the book and how it explained certain aspects of the human body made me think of those who are faithfully taking their prescription drugs to improve one or more health condition.
From cholesterol-lowering drugs to osteoporosis drugs to improve bone density, millions of people believe that the miraculous effects of chemicals will improve a certain medical condition. And please don’t get me wrong – there’s some good news, in a certain weird way, because the drugs may do just that. The bad news is that it may be their only benefit.
Let me explain what I mean: a cholesterol-lowering drug may indeed lower cholesterol but not reduce the chances of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular ailments. And the same principle applies to the most popular osteoporosis and osteopenia drugs Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva: over the years they may produce thicker and denser bones, but they may not prevent fractures. In fact, these very same osteoporosis and osteopenia drugs may actually increase the chances of breaking a bone!
New mounting evidence suggests that long-term use of these osteoporosis drugs may cause spontaneous fractures- even of large bones such as the femur.
How is that possible, you might rightly ask? The answer is that thanks to the methods by which scientific studies are set up and results are analyzed, a large number of prescription drugs may show that they produce healthy statistics, but not healthy people. And make no mistake; the same statistical information is used by the FDA as part of the drug approval process.
So before embarking on a “take this pill and forget about it” mission, think twice. You certainly don’t want to end up as a simple statistical number. Explore all other possibilities first and most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask questions to your doctor.
And if you would like to ask me a question (or two) about osteoporosis or osteopenia, shoot me an email to info@saveourbones.com. I’ll be there for you, always.
Stay healthy and be smart and inquisitive,
Vivian
Related Posts
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The Forteo Mystery: What You Should Know About This Puzzling Drug
Fosamax: When Good Things Happen to Bad Osteoporosis Drugs
The Truth About Your Osteopenia Treatment
Stop Taking Osteoporosis Drugs? It’s Never Too Late
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March 9, 2010
I recently had a tooth extracted. The oral surgeon said that since i had only been on Actonel, once a month, for 9 months, there was no problem. I have consulted another dentist, two physicions, one my GYN and my MD, and both said I needed the drug. I believe the risk is too great. Also, last year a close friend died of esophagal cancer. I will be researching if she was using any of the drugs.
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March 3, 2010
How does one determine the best bone density test with the many that are currently available. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, but recently stopped taking the generic fosamax after two years. Unexplainable lower extremety aches; muscular, joint, and most recently jaw and ear pain. What say you?
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January 7, 2010
I live in London, Uk, and was prescribed Strontium Ranelate for osteoporosis ; I know it is not prescribed in America, but is it a better drug than the Biphosphonates, ie less damaging. in that it doesn’t block CoQ10 in the same way as Biphosphonates do?
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October 12, 2009
Enjoying your columns. Very informative and sensible. I’m a victim of Actonel. After 12 pills (weekely) and am still suffering from the side effects and this is from Nov 2007. This poison is still on the market even though Consumers Magazine condemned it in their August 2009 magazine. Our hospital McMaster immediately put out a BIG headline stating they have the cure for osteoporosis – I note that they did not use the names of the drugs. But basically everyone over 50 will die of osteoporosis. And they had the cure NOW. I guess this is because of the Research funds Proctor & Gamble may withdraw. Keep up the good work.
Mary Jean
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April 15, 2009
Not that I’m impressed a lot, but this is a lot more than I expected when I found a link on SU telling that the info here is quite decent. Thanks.
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December 17, 2008
I was starting to have problems with my feet and jaw. When a woman over heard me talking she asked me if I was using the drug fosamex she gave me info to your site. I stopped takin the drug last Friday. I started have stabbing pains in my right jaw,and now have a rash on my left arm. I thought those symtoms were suppose to happen while you taking the drug is it happening perhaps because the drug is leaving my body. I still have neuropathy like symtoms in my feet.
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October 27, 2008
I just returned from the dentist office where I received news that the bones underneath my lower front teeth were disappearing at a rapid rate. Can you recommend something that would stop this process? Thanks for your response.
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October 31, 2008
I wonder if your doctor explained to you if the bone loss is due to periodontal disease or not. That in itself can cause substantial bone loss in the mouth. Either way, I recommend following The Bone Health Action Plan in my book so as to prevent unnecessary bone loss in your whole body (which can have a positive effect in your mouth).
Best regards,
Vivian
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