Outrageous! Yet Another Popular Osteoporosis Drug STOPS New Bone Formation - Save Our Bones

When I read a brand new study just published last week in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, it was like a breath of fresh air. “At last! Mainstream scientists are telling the truth about this toxic and dangerous osteoporosis drug”, I thought to myself.

But then I began to wonder – why did it take so long for this information to surface? After all, I wrote about these very same issues six years ago in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

I knew there had to be good reasons for the delay in getting this crucial information out. And after a bit of detective work, I found out why. Today, you will too. But first…

The Study

For this study,1 40 postmenopausal women were divided into 2 groups of 20 each. One group received a zoledronic acid (Reclast) injection. The other group received a placebo – a solution of harmless saline solution. Then the researchers tested for changes in the participants’ levels of a particular protein that regulates bone resorption.

The protein is called sclerostin, and it is crucial to the proper bone remodeling that takes place in your body every day. Simply put, bone remodeling involves the shedding of old bone cells, followed by new bone cell formation.

Sclerostin is produced by osteocytes, cells that are found in mature bone. It plays a relevant role in the remodeling process, since among other functions, it stops the production of new bone by osteoblasts.

Participants on Reclast Showed a Marked Increase in Sclerostin Levels

What does this mean?

As I’ve been saying all along, this means that Reclast (zoledronic acid) stops new bone formation, just like the rest of the bisphosphonates. The new study now pinpoints the main reason why: by increasing the levels of sclerostin. (Remember, these results can be applied to any bisphosphonate, because that’s exactly what zoledronic acid is.)

Quoting the study’s lead researcher:

“ ‘The key to effectively treating osteoporosis lies in increasing bone mass,” said the study's lead author, Antonino Catalano, MD, PhD, of the University of Messina in Italy. ‘Zoledronic acid halts bone loss, but it also signals the body to stop forming new bone mass. The drug may need to be combined with other treatments to add bone mass.’ ”1

Notice how the researcher avoids the “new” problems with his discovery. Instead of saying that bisphosphonates are useless, he came up with the ridiculous recommendation of combining zoledronic acid with other drug “treatments” (more on this later).

Fortunately, this is not breaking news for the Save Our Bones Community. “Savers” know that the process of bone remodeling is absolutely crucial to bone health. I’ve written about the importance of bone remodeling from the get-go – it’s one of the foundational elements of Osteoporosis Reversal Program. In fact, I devote an entire chapter in the Program to this vital process of bone breakdown, followed by bone renewal.

Inhibiting Bone Loss Also Inhibits New Bone Formation

That’s exactly what I wrote in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program six years ago. Quoting the Program, here’s one example of many:

“Bisphosphonates attach themselves to the bone matrix, altering its normal function by affecting the normal replacement of old bone with new bone. Indeed, bone loss can be reduced; but at what price? A very high price, because what the makers of these prescription drugs don’t mention is that, as explained in Chapter 3, inhibiting bone loss also inhibits new bone formation. Bones remain thick, but old bone is more prone to fractures than less dense yet
more flexible newer bone.”

So you see, losing bone regularly is important to bone health. Unless you shed the worn out bone cells, the remodeling process comes to a halt. That is why the Osteoporosis Reversal Program emphasizes tensile strength and flexibility over density and hardness.

Getting rid of osteoporosis and improving your bone health is really simple if you work with your body’s natural processes. But the drug companies don’t like the simplicity of this concept. They’d rather complicate things so uninformed “patients” will think that they must take osteoporosis drugs to build their bones.

Get Ready for the Toxic Osteoporosis Drug Cocktail

In discussing the results of the above-referenced study, head researcher Catalano encouraged scientists to look out for “…an opportunity to increase bone mass by combining zoledronic acid with a drug that suppresses the resulting sclerostin's effect.”1

Just what we don’t need – another osteoporosis drug!

Catalano's suggestion is to prescribe zoledronic acid as a treatment for osteoporosis, while at the same time, preventing the damaging effects the drug causes when it increases levels of sclerostin. In other words, the “solution”, according to him, is to prescribe a sclerostin-inhibiting drug along with the zoledronic acid!

An Interesting Coincidence?

Researches at Amgen, Prolia’s manufacturer, are currently working on a drug (romosozumab) that blocks sclerostin. Romosozumab has recently failed to show that it can help with fracture healing. So what better than using the same sclerotin-blocking drug along with bisphosphonates in a pathetic attempt to correct the damage caused by bisphosphonates?

If osteoporosis “patients” are given Reclast (zoledronic acid) in combination with romosozumab, we can conjecture that the outcome will involve a deviant, drug-induced version of bone remodeling. With sclerostin inhibited, will bones grow unnaturally dense or even grow spurs or perhaps other abnormalities? We can’t say for sure, but given osteoporosis drugs’ dubious and damaging past, who would want to be the guinea pig?

Old Drugs Mean New Search for Profits

Another odd coincidence is the sudden scramble for new and different osteoporosis drugs, such as romosozumab. But most likely, it’s not a coincidence. Why? Because the patents of many bisphosphonates are about to expire. Big Pharma now has a good reason to come out with new osteoporosis drugs in their rush to keep its monopoly on prescription osteoporosis treatments.

And guess which drug is on the patent expiration list? If you guessed Reclast, you’re right.

You see, when drug patents expire, sales decline, because Big Pharma loses its exclusive rights to market the patented brand-name drug. Then, as if by magic, the suppressed negative information on soon-to-expire drugs becomes available.

The Medical Establishment’s Mentality

It seems as though mainstream science and, by extension, the Medical Establishment, are operating on “auto pilot” – Big Pharma’s mindset is always piloting the healthcare plane! They only think in terms of treating every health condition with drugs, and because this mentality is so deeply entrenched in “Modern Medicine,” it’s not likely to change any time soon.

The Save Our Bones Mentality

Thankfully, the Save Our Bones community is way ahead of the times. Its mentality is entirely opposite from that of Mainstream Medicine. Because this is the basic approach of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program: osteoporosis is not a disease, and drugs are not necessary to treat it. Instead, osteoporosis is the body’s response to an unbalanced environment in the body, which is easily corrected with the right diet, exercises, and lifestyle changes.

When you nurture a healthy, balanced body environment, your bones respond positively, just as they responded negatively to the unbalanced environment by developing osteoporosis.

Drugs Have No Place in Osteoporosis Management

All of this confirms that if you’ve never taken osteoporosis drugs (or if you’ve ditched them), you can be proud of yourself, because you’ve made the right decision. If you’re still not sure about stopping the osteoporosis drugs, rest assured that more and more negative information on those drugs will continue to come out over time. This is particularly true when the patents are about to expire!

I hope that if you’re still doubting whether to stop the osteoporosis drugs, this study on Reclast and the subsequent explanation of how Big Pharma really works will give you the confidence to stop them once and for all.

Till next time,

References


1 Catalano, Antonio, MD, PhD, et al. “Zoledronic Acid Acutely Increases Sclerostin Serum Levels in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. doi:10. 1210/jc.2012-4039. April 17, 2013. Web. https://jcem.endojournals.org/content/early/2013/04/17/jc.2012-4039.abstract?sid=d4c7c0aa-eb9d-4599-88c8-a7887c9385b6

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Iris St John

    I have had two infusions of Zometa in the past year. Because of side effects, (anemia, swollen glands in my neck, three teeth that turned necrotic, et al) I have refused further infusions. Can anyone tell me how long this drug stays in the system?

    • Sue

      Zometa – how long does it stay in the body?
      I had only two infusions in 2008 and dropped the treatment. Subsequently I have had to have dental extractions and one implant. Is there a possibility this will be ok? Especially the implant? I am also on a blood thinner.

  2. Kristi

    I feel inspired yet abruptly left with no treatment plan. I am an extremely rare case > only 34 years old being treated for osteoporosis. A combination of bad luck I suppose landed me in this situation. I had lupus yet didn’t know, and took extreme measures to get pregnant – the fertility treatments coupled with lupus I’m assuming took my bones. I had my first Rec last infusion last November and am scheduled again this Nov 15th. If you have information on alternative treatment – send it my way.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Welcome, Kristi! You’ll find a plethora of “information on alternative treatment” on this website. 🙂 Please feel free to use the search feature to peruse our hundreds of articles on managing osteoporosis nutritionally, naturally, and without drugs.

      Look at it this way – while you are an exceptionally young case for developing osteoporosis, your youth may be an asset in implementing a nutrition and exercise plan for reversing osteoporosis.

  3. kiki

    I have been taking BioSil, I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I read your one article on silica and was a bit confused about if it’s ok to silica in the form that is in Biosil. In my research I found bamboo silica from nutristart.com and I’m thinking it is a more natural form of silica… I’m thinking now that Biosil is not in its natural state? I am planning on getting your program when I get paid, and I am so glad I have run across you. Thank you!

  4. Margaret Agius

    As far as I know Zometa stops the cancer in the bones from spreading so what can I take to replace this?

  5. bone researcher

    Sclerostin’s mechanism for action is to influence bone formation, which is why those with sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease have excessive bone formation. it’s not the same as bisphosphonates, which limit bone resorption (removal).

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sclerostin#Clinical_significance

    • Michael

      Mr. ‘Bone Researcher’, I think you miss the point, and if you truly are a bone researcher, you should realize that there is a feedback loop b/t osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoclasts regulate bone resorption, and bone density is increased by preserving old brittle bone when bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity. That sets up a negative feedback loop that decreases the formation of new bone, which is the function of osteoblasts. When it comes to bone density, the body can’t distinguish b/t the old brittle bone conserved b/c bisphosphonates decrease osteoclast activity and new bone stimulated by osteoblasts. What do you think is more compatible with healthy bone remodeling, conservation of old brittle bone at the expense of new bone formation, or new bone formation to replace the old brittle bone?

      FYI; I have read the article you site, but Wikipedia is not a valid research platform, and should only be used as a sounding board from which you can branch out and substantiate or debunk what is written there. It is NOT a credible source in and of itself b/c it is constantly being manipulated. It may be correct, wildly misinforming, or something in b/t.

  6. Customer Support

    Barbara, Heloisa, and others: if you or any community members have questions on topics not addressed in this blog post, please send your questions via e-mail to support@saveourbones.com, or click on the smiley face icon at the top of the page. We will do our best to address your concerns!

  7. heloisa piccinelli

    I’ve been asking questions, but not recieving the answers. I just joint Save our bones program. I/m a little lost and frustrating. I don’t know where to look for the answers for my questions. Thanks. Heloisa

    • Kathryn

      I totally agree with you. I quit asking.

  8. Barbara

    Does calcium have to be taken with Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin K and Stronium to be effective?

  9. mrs sandra sullivan

    I have been told 4yrs ago after a dexter scan I have border line ostioparosis 1.9 was the hip reading and 1.1 spine but I refused actenal ,have another dexter scan next year and they say if its worse I have to take the drugs I have to take thyroxine as have had thyroid removed and they say this is the cause of my thinning bones any advice please

  10. Kathryn

    Help me PLEASE……..I have bone cancer in the family and she has been told to take XGEVA every 6 weeks. It is a shot. They tell her it does not stay in the system after you stop taking it. It is only 5 years old, how do they know the long time results??? It does stop the osteoblasts.
    I am afraid for her either way..what do you know???????

    • Juanita

      Help I have breast cancer that spread to bone on zometa

    • Kathryn

      Where do I get a reply??? Maybe I don’t, but I would like to know that too. Help…. I have been waiting since May for an answer. Thank you someone..

  11. dr nyla

    hello;really happy to read all this about osteoprosis.agree with you.balanced diet and life style keep you away from osteprosis…good effort keep it up.

  12. dr nyla

    really correct i agree with you.good effort for osteoprosis community

  13. Faye Clarkson

    Dear Vivian : Got it! My GP is now sending me to a new specialist, from what I understand I will be receiving natural treatment recommendations and diet. Since doing my own research and trying natural products, I am ahead of them, thank God. I still will refuse any prescription med’s. Will let you know how my visit goes, it will be in the very near future. Sincerely Faye Clarkson

  14. Leslie (Ms. L. Carmel)

    Hi! Vivian,

    I Was Diagnosed With OSTEOPENIA, By My Family Doctor. He Told Me Not To Take Anything, And When I Come Back For My Yearly Physical He’d Let Me Know.

    I Don’t Have The SAVE OUR BONES Program. But I Do Try To Eat The Right Foods That Can Help Me Save My Bones.
    Right Now I Just Don’t Have The Finances For It. Plus I’m Paying Off A Large Debt, And That’s Got To Come First!

    I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO TO HELP US SAVE OUR BONES! IT REALLY MEANS A LOT! G-D BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

    LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L. CARMEL)

  15. Annie

    I purchased your book, “Osteoporosis Reversal Program.” It has been very helpful. I started using a weighted vest during my 3-4 times a week fast walks. When I use my vest, I seem to have back ache and my body feels sore. I don’t really like weight barrier exercises as I don’t like going to a gym and use those fancy equipment and I don’t really want to invest weight machines. Do you have any recommendations?
    Also, I am weaning myself in drinking 1% milk (cows milk) and starting to drink coconut milk. Am I in the right track? What would you recommend. Thanks

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Good for you, Annie! It sounds like you’re really taking your health into your own hands. 🙂 For bone density-specific exercises, you might want to check out Densercise – no special equipment needed. 🙂 You can read about it here:

      https://saveourbones.com/densercise/

  16. Carrie Ward

    Thank you Vivian for all the information you provide us. My doctor says I am a sure candidate for osteoporosis but I believe with the right diet, exercise I can beat this from happening to me. I am 67 and so far so good. He diagnosis my bones in the osteopenia state which I don’t believe I should br alarmed as my tests have not changed in years. Again thanks for keeping us so informed. Carrie from Pekin Il

  17. shula

    Thanks

    Shula

  18. Donna

    What is Prolia’s effect on Sclerostin Serum Levels – or has it not been studied?

  19. Helen

    Thank you so much for providing information on Prolia! After building my bones up naturally, and before ordering a routine bone scan, my doctor recommended Prolia as a matter of course. He assured me, “It builds bone.” I just smiled and nodded, snug in the tremendous comfort and life-changing strength your program has provided. You and program are treasured gifts.

  20. Michael

    Hi Vivian,

    I’m trying to understand what is happening to me. I was found to have prostate cancer which had moved to my bones: spine (causing me to suddenly be unable to walk), ribs, and skull. I have had 4 injections or infusions of Zometa which seem to have made my bones, especially my ribs feel like hard iron bars. I’ve told the doctor, “No more Zometa”.

    Reading “Save Our Bones” has given me some ideas, but I’m confused. How long does this zometa stay in the body? Does it prevent the bones from rebuilding new tissue as long as it stays in the body? What can be done to get it out of the body or bring the rebuilding of bone tissue back to work while it’s still in the body?

    Michael

  21. Lucile

    You have never addressed the issue of Fosamax on teeth/bone healing.
    After an accident that damaged two teeth #6 and #29 – three dentist I consulted with – would not (touch) me as they put it because they said I may never heal and could end up with an oped sore the rest of my life if they pulled the teeth. A bone graft may not be the answer to my problem either because of not attaching. #6 had two abases at the gum line and #29 oozed a beige liquid. After a year of no success with medications and desperate, I turned to Laser treatments. After a year of laser treatment the abases and beige liquid were gone. I was finally healed. However, a cap on #29 will not adhere so I’m left with a tooth with a previous root canal post sticking out.

  22. Mary

    Sometimes thiazide diuretics are prescribed to reduce loss of calcium through urine.
    I have read elsewhere that possibly Vitamin K, or potassium bicarbonate, or boron might help in reducing the calcium lost in the urine.
    Does anyone know anything about this?
    Regarding Vitamin K, should one take both K1 and K2; and, if so, how much?
    Would potassium citrate work as well as potassium bicarbonate? How much?
    How much boron?
    Are there any home tests for urine in calcium?
    Thanks,
    Mary

    • Rosemary

      From what I read on Dr. Mercola, we should only be taking K2. It’s found at the highest levels in Natto> a fermented soy product, and in aged cheeses. I take 150 mcg day with D3. I also take potassium citrate. Whether or not these products work to reduce the loss of calcium is unknown to me. The potassium is at 258 mg.

      I hope this helps until Vivian comes along.

  23. Ann

    Vivian, do you have any comments for products to take for the calcifications found in the breast. Please let me know as my
    Dr. wants me to have a biopsy and I don’t really want to.
    Thanks.

    • Arlene Tallberg

      Hi Ann
      Why does your doctor want you to have a biopsy?? Is he suspicious of cancer? Most biopsies are negative but you still should have it done if cancer is a possibility. Early treatment is the key to success in treating breast cancer. Wishing you well,
      aRLENE

      • Kathryn

        I hate to say it but have a biopsy if cancer is suspected. My daughter did not and it spread to her bone before she knew it.
        Good luck…

  24. Luz

    I’m very happy with my “SaveourBones Program” I like the fact that you have taken the fear out of osteoporosis by not calling it a disease but an imbalance. Vivian, I would like to know if is safe to take Fosteum, medical food product? I’ve been prescribed this after refusing the regular drugs for osteoporosis. But I would hate to keep taking this is you feel is not safe.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Luz, I don’t recommend Fosteum. It’s made of soybeans, and it contains genistein, which is a phytoestrogen. I hope you’ll discover how healthy your bones can be if you treat yourself to a balanced diet and lifestyle! 🙂

  25. Susie

    What is your opinion of BioSil that my Dr. suggested I try to help my bones?

  26. Betty

    Thank you for all the information you send on these various studies. We would not be able to be informed without your rigorous pursuit of knowledge on these topics. I’m glad I joined the program.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Thank you for your kind words, Betty! I am so glad you’ve had success on the Program, and that you’re contributing to the site. 🙂

  27. j. smith

    I have been taking a calcium that you recommended a couple of years ago called Take Care Bone Strength whole food calcuim + other bone healthy ingredietns and is made of algae.
    Is this still a recommended calcium supplement, as i taek it 2 tiems a day & beleive it has helped alot. I had an incident a couple of weeks ago that should have ended with broken ribs. Xrays showed nothing at all, not even any fractures. I think this calcium has helped alot, as i try hard to follow the bones healthy diet but often fail on many parts. I walk 2 mi. 4 da. wk & yoga 2 da. wk. Please advise and or give more helpful ideas.My 40 yr dau. now has osteopenia so want to advise her as well. i asked her to stop Fosamox & she has. joyce

  28. Ita

    Thank you.Ita.

  29. Ruth

    Help! I have a medical condition that requires me to take high doses of Prednisone (starting at 60 mg, now down to 30 mg, will probably be on maintenance does of 10 mg indefinitely).

    Because I also have osteoporosis (latest DEXA scan, done in January 2013, shows osteoporosis in left hip, “osteopenia” in right hip), my doctor wants me to have IV Reclast.

    I have been compliant in taking all medications ordered for my condition, vasculitis: Prednisone, Plavix (I had 3 stents implanted), baby aspirin, Pravastatin, Methotrexate, and supplements such as Mega Red, Folic Acid, calcium, and Vitamin D-3.

    I have already refused Boniva IV. From 2001-2006, I took Fosomax, and it gave me a number of unpleasant side effects. As far as I know it did not substantially increase my bone density.

    My primary care doctor agrees with the specialist that I should have the Reclast. But when I read the literature, including yours, I balk. I am walking 3-4 miles a day, doing weight bearing exercise at a PT gym two days a week, paying careful attention to diet, and generally trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am a 68 year old female, do not smoke, drink very little. What to do? I can’t afford to have my doctor abandon me for noncompliance.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Ruth, if you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, this would be a good time to take a look at the Doctor Communication Tutorials, the 23-page report which is included with the Program! Here’s an excerpt you might find helpful:

      “Thanks for your advice, doctor. I am also quite worried about Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, and appreciate all your recommendations to help me combat this condition. But I’m also very worried about the possible side effects of the drug you are prescribing. What I’d like to do is to cautiously weigh the pros and cons, and then make my own decision. By the way, I know about a nutritional and drug-free way to conquer Osteoporosis/Osteopenia that has no side-effects whatsoever. One less thing to worry about, doctor…don’t you think?”

      You also might like to read this Q&A post – scroll down to Question #10 and you’ll see someone else with a similar situation! 🙂

      https://saveourbones.com/vivian-answers-day-17/

      Good luck!

      • Ruth

        Thank you. On my way to read it now!

  30. Fatima Jordao

    Dear Vivian ,
    I am so happy to have made acquaintance with your Save Bones Program ! To quit the drugs treatment for osteoponie ,is heaven for me . Just after the first injection I started to have pain overall in the body . I was horrified to have to pursue the prescribed doctor treatment . Fortunately , I got to know you , and I decided to quit that drugs-cycle .
    Now I am feeling so good again and full of confidence that my bones will become strong and flexible , though I only started your programm two and half weeks ago ! Thank you so much for your help . God bless you !
    Fatima

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Wonderful news, Fatima! It warms my heart to hear that you are full of confidence and that the Osteoporosis Reversal Program provided the “escape” from mainstream medicine that you were seeking. 🙂

  31. Deepika

    Thanx a lot for your response.

    Can u pl tell me the difference between Osteoporosis and Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

    Really i will be very thankful to you.

    Regards
    Deepika

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Good question, Deepika!

      Osteoporosis is, basically, a decrease in bone density in response to an imbalanced body environment. Osteoporosis can be corrected and minimized with the proper dietary and lifestyle changes.

      Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or OI, on the other hand, is a genetic disorder that is either inherited or the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. Here’s a tidbit from Wikipedia:

      “People with OI are born with defective connective tissue, or without the ability to make it, usually because of a deficiency of Type-I collagen.[2]”

      So you see, they are quite different! Here is the link to the Wikipedia article if you are would like to read more:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteogenesis_imperfecta

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