Fosamax Linked To Femur Fracture Risk

Fosamax is a popular medication prescribed for bone-thinning disorders like osteoporosis. Fosamax belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates, which reduce bone loss while increasing bone mass. This reduces the risk for fractures and prevents deterioration of bone tissue. Fosamax and other bisphosphonates are also prescribed for men with bone loss due to steroid use. However, new cases have emerged connecting Fosamax to an increased risk for fractures of the femur, also referred to as the thigh bone. The femur is the largest, longest bone in the body and helps support a person’s weight while walking, running and performing other weight-bearing activities. The femur bone extends from the hip joint all the way down to the knee joint. In fact, femoral fractures are sometimes called hip fractures, when the top of the femur near the hip joint is injured.

Fosamax is most commonly prescribed for postmenopausal women due to a drastic drop in reproductive hormones, which help prevent the breakdown of bone tissue. Because of this, postmenopausal women with weak bones are most at risk for femoral fractures related to Fosamax therapy. Elderly people are also at risk because of advanced bone loss due to age. In September of 2011, an advisory committee appointed by the Food and Drug Administration reported that after reviewing several studies on bisphosphonate medications, the risk for femur fractures related to the medicines is about 1 to 5 fractures per 10,000 users. As a result, new guidelines suggest that physicians prescribe bisphosphonate drugs for people with the highest risk for bone fractures, such as those with a history of multiple fractures.

Several million prescriptions are written for Fosamax and other bisphosphonates every year, but new guidelines suggesting these medications be used for those with severe disease may change that number. In addition, bisphosphonate medications like Fosamax are now required to carry labels, warning of the risk for unusual femur fractures. Researchers are also investigating whether taking a periodic break from the drug may help reduce the risk for adverse reactions like femur fractures, but there is no current research to support this claim. In addition, scientists are studying whether long-term use of bisphosphonates is related to an increased risk for fractures of the femur. Some physicians and scientists feel that the benefits of Fosamax therapy outweigh the risks, but only a physician can determine if Fosamax is appropriate for his or her patient’s condition.