Prescription Medications - K

Fosamax for Osteoporosis 10 Years & Counting

What's New: In atrial involving postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, Fosamax taken daily for 10 years produced increases in bonemineral density at the spine and hip. Safety data suggest no loss of benefitin terms of the risk of fracture with prolonged treatment, though thediscontinuation of Fosamax resulted in the gradual diminution ofeffects.

Bottom Line: Fosamax (alendronate) appears to have sustained andwell-tolerated effects over a 10-year period.

Comment: We disagree with the HealthDay title (below):"OsteoDrug Safe, Effective Over Long Haul."It now looks likeit's safe to take Fosamx for 10 years but that's not really the "longhaul." If a woman starts takingthe drug at menopause, she goingto have hopefully a lot more than 10 years left to live. How long can you takeFosamax? This question will take some very long-term studies to answer.

Barbara K. Hecht,Ph.D.
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editors, MedicineNet.com

The Drug Here

• Fosamax (alendronate)

The Disease

• Osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis Prevention &Treatment Update
  Interview With Dr. Michael Truong
• Bone Density Scan

Women's Health

• Womens' HealthNewsletter Sign Up