Individuals with osteoporosis suffer from a weakening of their bones which can make them more susceptible to fractures. This weakening occurs when bone replacement does not keep pace with bone degeneration.
Ideally, this process would result in perfect replacement, however, as we age, for various reasons, this is often not the case. Genetic factors and lifestyle causes such as indulgent diets and lack of exercise contribute to bone density loss, which is termed osteoporosis.
When osteoporosis is diagnosed, medical practitioners will offer advice regarding steps individuals can take to help arrest the progress of the condition. However, doctors are acutely aware that many people will not take their advice regarding changes to lifestyle such as increased exercise and dietary changes.
Therefore, it is standard practice for many doctors to attempt to deal with the issue by prescribing certain medications. Broadly speaking, the function of these medications is not to encourage bone growth, but rather to inhibit the natural cycle of bone degeneration.
Unfortunately, these medications do come with side effects and associated health risks.
Severe Bone Pain
Some warnings have been issued by a group of researchers, cautioning individuals who have been prescribed with certain osteoporosis drugs, especially the bisphosphonates, to be aware of the potential to cause necrosis of the bone. This is an extremely painful and disfiguring condition.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued the same warning to additional drugs such as alendronate and risedronate due to these medications being reported to have caused intense bone pain in certain individuals.
Unusual Thighbone Fracture
Certain osteoporosis drugs which have been prescribed to prevent bone breakage, have actually been linked to rare cases of thighbone fractures, according to a report in the New York Times.
Some reports stated that women’s bones were found to be snapping like twigs and splintering. Another concern was that cases of bone breakage were occurring without any serious falls or trauma to cause these types of fractures.
These studied groups of women were in their 50’s and their bones were diagnosed at a stage of pre-osteoporosis, meaning their bones had not reached a super fragile phase at that point.
Further studies additionally revealed that these thighbone fractures from patients taking these drugs were quite unusual since they happened in the long bone portion of the thigh. Normal thighbone fractures typically occur close to a person’s hip socket. An added complication of mid-thigh fractures is a longer healing time, due to a reduced blood supply in this area.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Bisphosphonate treatments have become a growing concern as these drugs are often prescribed to individuals who have osteoporosis. Use of bisphosphonate treatments has been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw.
This complication poses a serious threat as it can lead to the destruction of a person’s jaw. It is becoming common practice for dentists to ask patients if they are taking bisphosphonate medication, and if so refusing to undertake some dental procedures.
Atrial Fibrillation
Research has shown that individuals taking Fosamax to strengthen bones can increase the potential for atrial fibrillation or chronic irregular heartbeat. Alendronate is the generic version of this drug. Studies reveal that women who have been taking Fosamax were found to have their risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation increased by up to 86% compared to those who have never had any alendronate or Fosamax medications.
Some of the issues linked to atrial fibrillation include: palpitations, fatigue, fainting and congestive heart failure.
There are more items on the list of potential side effects to be aware of, including esophageal and gastric inflammation, renal failure and reduced blood calcium. Eye inflammations are also among the reported side effects of osteoporosis medications.
Those who still feel that the benefit outweighs the risk as far as achieving better bone health via the use of these drugs need to be informed so that they are prepared for the possible adverse effects that may occur.
It is important to be aware that osteoporosis can be greatly mitigated with effective diet and self-care. Before taking any medications for osteoporosis, please do your research thoroughly. There are many side effects from these drugs and none are pleasant.
