It was only in the recent past when things did not go so well with top osteoporosis medication Fosamax because of the mounting reports about its adverse effects. Furthermore, legal pursuit have actually been made and the opening statements made in the fifth Fosamax lawsuit will definitely serve as a preview on how the proceedings will develop. Millions of people are using Fosamax making this a major concern.
There’s no doubt Fosamax is one of the most recommended drugs in the United States every year. This medication, along with other bisphosphonates, is the first line of treatment for osteoporosis which impacts more than 44 million Americans. Various aspects can lead to the development of this brittle bone disease and many prescription drugs are on the list.
Of the many drugs that could cause osteoporosis, corticosteroids are believed to be the most potent. There are several reasons why these drugs yield such side effect.
- They reduce calcium absorption in the gut
- These drugs increase calcium excretion to the urine
- They tend to lower the levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body
- They prevent formation of new bone
More than a quarter of all people taking corticosteroids for at least five years sustain osteoporosis-related fracture. Usually, your health care provider will add calcium and vitamin D supplements in your prescription if you need to take such drugs for a long period. Moreover, he or she may recommend you to take the drug every other day.
Vitamin A supplements. Too much intake of vitamin A could may boost bone resorption.
Heparin is used to treat and prevent clotting of the blood in the veins, arteries and lungs. Despite having an unclear connection, prolonged use of heparin, especially on high dose, has been seen to make you prone to osteoporosis.
Other drugs that pose a high risk for developing osteoporosis include anti-HIV medications, anti-seizure medications, chemotherapeutic drugs and drugs that may lower the production of testosterone and estrogen levels.
While this information might be alarming to you if you are taking these drugs, it is best to ask your doctor about the hazards involved in taking these drugs. Osteoporosis is a disease that’s hard to deal with – and so are the said adverse effects of its treatment drug Fosamax. A number of people who suffered harm as a result of long-term Fosamax use are filing a Fosamax lawsuit against its manufacturer –Merck.
