Drugs that May Cause Bone Loss
It was not so long ago when Fosamax started to receive complaints about its adverse effects putting its name in the bad light. Charges have been filed and the opening statements made in the fifth Fosamax lawsuit will shed light on how the hearing will progress. Millions of people are using Fosamax making this a major concern.
It’s not a wonder how Fosamax easily become one of the bestselling 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. The said brittle bone disease may be brought by many different factors and that includes several prescription drugs.
Of all the drugs that may cause osteoporosis, corticosteroids are known to be the most potent when it comes to making the bones thinner. The said effect is brought by more than a few reasons.
- 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. More often, your doctor will order you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements when your corticosteroid therapy lasts a long time. In addition, he or she may ask you to change your course of treatment to a mere once every two days.
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 devitalizing problem, and so are the unfavorable effects of its treatment drug Fosamax. A considerable number of people claiming to have been injured by Fosamax are now working on a Fosamax lawsuit against its company, Merck.
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