Systematic Review: Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
I must say, that I’m very used to the mainstream media gathering a research study done on a natural compound and interpreting the results completely out of context, making that natural compound look poor. However, in this case we have the same with Fosamax class of drugs, where specific finding in a research study got blown way out of proportion. In this case, patients taking IV biphosphonates during cancer treatment had an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw bones–the bones basically started to rot.
When they expanded the study to the population at large, it was found that treatment with this class of drugs in non-cancer patients did result in osteonecrosis, but at relatively low levels. The bottom here is, though, that I feel strongly that this is the wrong approach for bone health. Ultimately, we will admit that Vit D, exercise and anti-inflammatory lifestyles are the best things we can do for our bones.
Janiece says
Thanks for posting this. After discontinuing Fosamax and Boniva my bone density has improved again this year. I believe in the Strontium and Vitamin D supplements.
James Bogash says
Don’t forget that bone health is related to overall health–your increased bone density is occurring as a result of all the good changes, for which you should give yourself a big pat on the back.