FDA Reviews Osteoporosis Drugs for Fracture Risk

By Fox News | Source: Fox News

The Food and Drug Administration is in the processing looking at the safety of bone-building drugs like Fosamax and Boniva. Do these drugs increase the risk of femur fractures?

This safety review is being done on several bisphosphonates, prescribed to millions to treat osteoporosis. Drugs including Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax are in this class of drug being reviewed. There are studies being presented to see if long use of the drug negatively affects the bone quality.

There was a previous review of data in 2008 by the FDA which did not show an increase in women using these drugs. The femur fracture rates were similar in women taking the drugs and not taking the drugs. The FDA plans on gathering more information to do further study.

The results of the studies indicate improvement the first several years of taking the drug then a decline after 4 or so years of use. Additional studies are needed to see if these drugs are effective at preventing bone loss in the long term.

More information on the risk and studies.