Bisphosphonates are a group of antiresorptive drugs used to inhibit accelerated loss of bone mass, paving for lowered fractural risk
in the afflicted, and possibly avoiding the occurrence of the
deficiency for those who may be at risk, according to medical journals.
They are often given to osteoporotic patients and are also sometimes
prescribed to people with osteopenia, an osteoporosis precursor, who may
have been recognized with multiple risk factors. However, as they have
been proven effective in minimizing the fractural risk in users, Fosamax
and other similar drugs have also been associated with a string of
adverse events, which in some instances, have paved the way for a series
of lawsuits.
Visit http://www.fosamaxinjurylawsuitcenter.com for
additional related information involving Fosamax and its related side
effects.Bisphosphonates are also utilized as pain relief in patients with
bone metastasis (cancer that begins in an organ, such as the lungs,
breast, or prostate, and then spreads to bone). Several studies also
reveal that bisphosphonates may possibly prevent metastatic malignant
diseases from causing bony complications and may even improve quality of
life of people enduring myeloma with bone lesions.
Although they may either be used through the mouth or used as an
intravenous drug, most cancer experts utilize the route of intravenous
administration as it is given through a short monthly infusion and has
not been linked to side effects
that most oral bisphosphonates have been reported to cause including
gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most commonly utilized
bisphosphonates for bone metastases include pamidronate (Aredia), and
zolendronic acid (Zometa).
Both manufactured and sold by pharmaceutical company Novartis, Aredia
and Zometa are examples of bisphosphonates administered intravenously
often used as treatment to hypercalcemia of malignancy (treat high
levels of calcium in the blood related to cancer), myeloma, secondary
breast and prostate cancer, as well as Paget’s disease of the bone.
Fosamax, also available by its generic name alendronate, is an
example of a bisphosphonate taken orally, manufactured and widely
distributed by one of the country’s pharmaceutical leader, Merck &
Co. While it is administered differently from Aredia and Zometa, it is
also given to relieve bone pain in people suffering from metastatic bone cancer, multiple myeloma, and Paget’s disease of the bone.
Alongside the benefits that come with these medications are side
effects that may range from mild to severe which may aggravate or
improve during the treatment, according to medical experts. Experts
recommend that patients take utmost precaution to possibly minimize
their risk of experiencing these side effects and added health problems.
Sources:
drugs.com/mtm/aredia.html
cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/disodium-pamidronate
cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/zoledronic-acid
www.medicinenet.com/alendronate/article.htm
oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=1&s=89&ss=871&id=9629&CFID=54367541&CFTOKEN=94903688
orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00093
drugs.com/mtm/aredia.html
cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/disodium-pamidronate
cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/zoledronic-acid
www.medicinenet.com/alendronate/article.htm
oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=1&s=89&ss=871&id=9629&CFID=54367541&CFTOKEN=94903688
orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00093