Osteoporosis Drug Can Prevent Bone Loss Associated with Breast Cancer Medication
Bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax were once thought to be an excellent defense for post-menopausal women in the fight against osteoporosis. Unfortunately, many users of the drug, manufactured by Merck, have been injured by related femur fractures and jawbone death from its prolonged use. Many of these victims have filed Fosamax lawsuits for the injuries they have suffered.
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Now, research shows that some osteoporosis drugs taken in conjunction with a certain breast cancer medication can maintain bone health while helping to keep the disease at bay.
Zoledronic Acid Recommended in Conjunction with Aromatase Inhibitors
Many women take aromatase inhibitors which stop the production of estrogen post menopause in order to avoid stimulating the growth of certain breast cancer cells. Many post-menopausal women are treated for years with these drugs, but their active ingredients can cause bone loss and potential fractures.
In order to combat the bone loss associated with the life saving potential of aromatase inhibitors, a study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute to see if zoledronic acid, another common bone loss drug, would be effective if taken along with the estrogen inhibitor drug.
Dr. Adam Brufsky and his colleagues conducted a five year study of post-menopausal women who were taking the cancer medication and combined it with the bone loss drug in order to determine if it had any benefits.
The researchers observed significant increases in bone density when the women who participated in the study took zoledronic acid from the very beginning, but noticed significant bone density loss in those women who did not take the two drugs simultaneously. The findings of the study indicate that bone density is better maintained when a woman begins taking an aromatase inhibitor and zoledronic acid at the same time. Bone density, however, can be rebuilt if the drug is taken at some point during the cancer drug therapy.
Zoledronic acid is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for osteoporosis as well as for bone loss related to cancer treatments.
Osteoporosis Strikes During Menopause
Osteoporosis strikes many women during menopause, the cessation of ovarian hormone production. The disorder also afflicts approximately two million men. Many affected individuals take zoledronic acid and other bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax to ease the condition and become susceptible to serious side effects associated with the drug. If you have been taking Fosamax for an extended period of time, and have suffered a femur fracture, it could be because of the medication, and you may be eligible for compensation by a femur fracture lawsuit against Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax. The lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group can help. Our Fosamax lawyers have over 25 years collective experience advocating for clients in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. Please fill out our contact form, and one of our lawyers will be in touch.
