Fda says patients should continue to take ...

Health reporter, BBC News

U.S. regulators warn patients that the medications used to protect fragile bones, may increase the risk of fracture in rare cases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that all drugs are bisphosphonates class must carry warnings on the label about this unusual side effect. They say patients should continue taking the pills if they are not told my doctor to stop. In the UK, only one medication bisphosphonates - alendronate - carries a warning, but regulators are considering this decision. Almost three million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones brittle and causes about 230,000 fractures a year. Bisphosphonates are given more than half of these patients in an attempt to strengthen their bones and reduce the risk of fractures. But experts are increasingly concerned that the drugs can cause they try to prevent after finding the link between their use and an unusual type of leg fracture. it is not clear whether bisphosphonates are the cause of the interruption of the femur, but they are concerned enough to tell lasix 200 mg manufacturers to add warning medicine packages. FDA doctor Teresa Keho said they will continue to monitor the safety of medicines, said: Meanwhile, its value for patients and medical professionals that all safety information in determining the best course of treatment of osteoporosis. FDA says patients should continue taking their medication if they do not advise your doctor to stop. Control UKs drugs, medicines and medicines control agency (MHRA), said he began looking at possible increased risk of fractures in patients taking bisphosphonates if it was an effect common to all family members that the drug and not only alendronate. A spokesman said: Committee will now consider all available data thoroughly, including published data, preclinical and clinical data and post-marketing reports to determine whether atypical stress fractures of the class effect of bisphosphonates, and assess their impact the balance of risks and benefits of these medications. A spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society said: At present it is unclear whether these fractures are directly related to treatment, but association was not excluded. Bisphosphonates slow the rate at which bone is destroyed and replaced, reducing the activity of osteoclast cells that destroy bone. Although a useful process to prevent bone loss and fractures, there are concerns that over a long period of time, it can lead to bone get older and more fragile.

He said that it should be remembered that these unusual fractures are rare and that the vast majority of patients benefit from treatment will greatly outweigh the risks. A recent study published last month in the British Medical Journal, involving bisphosphonates used for esophageal cancer. .