Treating Cancer through Various Bisphosphonates

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