A recent study of over 33,000 postmenopausal women showed that among patients newly prescribed one of the two most popular osteoporosis treatments, patients taking Actonel (risedronate sodium) were approximately half as likely to
sustain a hip fracture as those taking alendronate (Fosamax) in the first year
of treatment. These Actonel and Fosamax results were published in the peer-reviewed
journal Osteoporosis International.
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.
Procter & Gamble’s Actonel osteoporosis drug is expanding its potential audience among men. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Actonel's once-a-week version to help increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Previously, Actonel had been approved to treat the disease in postmenopausal women and in men with steroid-induced osteoporosis. The approval is another step forward for Actonel, the only pharmaceutical product among the 22 P&G brands with more than $1 billion in annual sales. (Read more in the Enquirer)