Breakthrough drug may make life easier for osteoporosis sufferers
Many more studies needed before drug can be used widely
11:02 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2007
According to the Surgeon General, half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime from osteoporosis.
Currently, drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva are the first-line treatments for protecting bones.
Taken by pill either once a week or once a month, the medications work well but come with hard-to-follow instructions that prohibit eating, drinking or lying down for at least 30 minutes.
Today, researchers report that new options are in the works.
A study of over 7,500 postmenopausal women finds that a simple yearly IV infusion of the drug Zometa, also known as Reclast, can reduce spine fractures by 70 percent and hip fractures by 41 percent over a three-year period.
While direct comparisons have yet to be made, experts agree that once-a-year infusions of Zometa appear to be just as effective as current treatments for osteoporosis and could make life easier for the many osteoporosis sufferers.
However, some heart rhythm problems were seen and more studies need to be performed to ensure the drug's safety before it can be offered widely.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)