But bisphosphonates (the class of drugs that work to rebuild and strengthen bone tissue), which are taken either orally or as injections, are not without side effects and recently, some of the potential long-term effects of these medications, while rare, have come under scrutiny. Conversations about what those effects might or might not be and who, in fact, should be taking these drugs have been taking place in the media and medical community alike.
‘In other therapies we are confident in saying the effects of the medicine are gone, once we stop giving them… Whereas with bone the exact opposite is true.’ — Kurt Kennel, MD
The study suggests that taking bisphosphonates beyond 5 years doesn’t necessarily continue to improve bone density or strength for all patients. One recommendation is that patients who were initially at low-risk for osteoporosis-related fractures would probably benefit from discontinuing the medication after 3 to 5 years, whereas those patients at a greater risk from the outset would benefit from continuing.
To read the rest of this article from the Medshadow Foundation, click here.
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