The results of a study were released on October 27, which links the medications commonly prescribed for osteoporosis with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The results of the research study were reported at the 74th annual convention of the American College of Chest Physicians in Philadelphia.
The study, which was comprised of 16, 332 patients taking bisphosphonates found that 2% of those patients had experienced an episode of atrial fibrillation that had resulted in the need for hospitalization or death.
The two medications used in the patients in the study were Fosamax and Reclast or Zometa. However, there are a total of 7 FDA approved medications for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone mineralization diseases: alendronate (Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel, Actonel W/Calcium), tiludronate (Skelid), and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa). The physician that headed the study, Dr. Jennifer Miranda, believes that it is logical to assume that the same risk applies to other bisphosphonates as does to Fosamax and Reclast.
The FDA is still investigating the results of the study. For the moment, they have recommended that patients and physicians not change their usage of the medications. They will release additional information when their reviews of the revalent information is complete.
Patients who take one of the bisphosphonates and experience unusual symptoms or have concerns about their medication should contact their health care provider.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician
or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal
health and necessary treatments.
