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Read More: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/127/116837?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Australian researchers have come up with a mathematical formula to help predict bone fractures in women 60 years and older. The formula factors for bone mineral density at the hip and spine, history of fractures and falls, and weight. Researchers dub the formula FRISK (fracture risk) score.
The three medications studied were the drug genre of bisphosphonates, the most frequently prescribed class of medications for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Let the drug wars begin and end. Earlier this year Proctor & Gamble sued Roche Laboratories claiming that their advertisements for the osteoporosis drug Boniva was false. Proctor & Gamble filed a lawsuit alleging that Boniva advertisements to consumers and doctors falsely claim the drug has been proven to reduce the risk of non spinal fractures. After four days of testimony, the U.S. District Court judge said the claim was unwarranted.
In its lawsuit, Proctor & Gamble said that Boniva failed a clinical trial to reduce non spinal fractures in women after three years of treatment, compared with those receiving placebos over the same period. (Reuters)
Evista - Another Osteoporosis Drug: osteoporosis is seeking approval to be marketed for breast cancer prevention. Women with heart disease or a high risk for it would trade one set of odds for another if they took the drug raloxifene (Evista) to try to prevent breast cancer Evista, may help prevent cancer, but raises the risk of blood clots and fatal strokes. Breast cancer is more treatable than life threatening heart attacks and strokes. (Learn how safe it is or is not on MSNBC)
Read about Jaw Bone Death and why there is no cure. ONJ can be treated with antibiotic therapy, prescription periodontal mouth rinses, and removable mouth guards. Surgery can make the condition worse, although sometimes it is necessary to remove dead tissue. At present, there is no cure for the condition.
American Dental Association following a small but growing number of reports linking bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel to incidences of osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead bone tissue), believes that dentists should discuss ONJ risks with dental patients who are taking Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel when performing tooth extraction or doing implants.
A failure to do so could constitute Dental Malpractice. Dentists and their patients should carefully consider these procedures and discuss alternative dental therapies.