text size A A A

Bone Health and Breast Cancer

By Alice Yaker

From News from the Scientists

While the medical condition alleged to be caused by Fosamax (a biphosphonate), described in a recent New York Times article, may be rare, the use of bisphosphonates is not. See the article here.

Not mentioned in the article is the use of bisphosphonates by some women diagnosed with breast cancer who are prescribed an aromatase inhibitor and then a bisphosphonate to offset the deleterious effects on their bones from that aromatase inhibitor. While a cost-benefit analysis may justify the use of Fosamax, Actinol (the one I'm taking), Boniva, Reclast, Atelvia and generic alternatives (cited in the article), questions need to be raised with your provider about what side effects to watch for and importantly, the optimal period for their use. 

Posted November 12, 2010.

« Next Post  |  » Previous Post

Comments

Please feel free to leave comments, as they’re helpful for other readers. However, if you need support from SHARE, please call or email our Hotline.

 
Another problem: Are we just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg with bisphosphonates. Most women haven't been on them for that many years because they are relatively new drugs. So we don't know the real rate of the medical condition Jaw Necrosis.

— Helen Schiff

All comments are reviewed by SHARE before they are posted. You will not see your comment here immediately.

 clear!