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.
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)
Since 2003, more than 3,000 published cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) have been reported from taking bisphosphonates. While most of the cases involve cancer patients who take the intravenous versions of the drug; a few years ago, ONJ began turning up in healthy women taking Fosamax to increase bone density.
Most documented cases have been in people who have had a tooth extraction. (Read more about Fosamax ONJ)