Fruits and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be medicated by lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. Both may be the choice of people with osteoporosis But recent research presents that Fosamax, a drug that cures osteoporosis, may be substituted with dried fruits in order to beat osteoporosis. Additional researches also suggest that fracture follow-up can work as osteoporosis prevention.

Due to recent issues of Fosamax drug, patients may be encouraged to eat dried plums instead. However, always inquire to your healthcare expert about your decisions on your health conditions.

Dried Plums Instead of Fosamax?

Among the vegan recipes countering osteoporosis, dried plums are the most effective in elevating bone mineral density and promoting overall bone health. This study is conducted by researchers from Florida State University. Its publication is in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers refer to the regular consumption of dried plums as a “simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis.

The study further revealed that dried plums have the ability to suppress the accelerated bone resorption process in older individuals, which ends up exceeding the body's capacity to produce new bone tissue.

The researcher also claimed that postmenopausal women who regularly eat dried plums have a lower risk of having osteoporosis compared to other women of the same age.

Women are More Susceptible to Osteoporosis

Postmenopausal women encounter osteoporosis more often because it is directly linked to the cessation of ovarian function. However, researcher Bahram Arjmandi said that men will also begin to encounter bone tissue loss as their testosterone production dramatically decreases by the age of 65.

"In the first five to seven postmenopausal years, women are at risk of losing bone at a rate of 3 to 5 percent per year," Arjmandi explained.

In the United States alone, there are around 8 million women and 2 million men suffer from osteoporosis. This is based on the current figures.

The Issues about Fosamax?

After the publication of a number of studies that link Fosamax to abnormal bone cracks and the release of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning in October, Fosamax lawsuits became one of the biggest issues being faced by Merck.

References:

sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818093048.htm

Fosamax and Its Unwanted Side Effects

Fosamax has never been out of the spotlight. This is the reason why people continue to look for other alternatives, especially now that Fosamax lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey Superior Court.

A member of the biphosphonate family of drugs, Fosamax augments bone mineral density by stimulating bone formation and restraining bone resorption or breakdown at the same time and it is classified as a biphosphonate.

These drugs are used in many different condition such as osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (Paget’s Disease), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism and osteogenesis imperfect. But these drugs were found out to cause very bad effects like like osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ) and atypical thigh bone fractures.

Osteonecrosis of the jawbone (ONJ). This condition is considered to be a severe dental condition in which exposure of a fraction of the jawbone tissue occurs. Sooner or later, the bone tissue will die due to the loss of blood supply. There is a big problem for this condition as no diagnostic examinations can detect ONJ. It can only be diagnosed when exposure of the jawbone happens, which can last for more than eight weeks. In most cases, the patient would feel pain or discomfort, resulting from an infection, swelling of soft tissue, drainage and exposure of the bone.

In order to reduce the risks of ONJ, the patient should observe good oral hygiene and regular dental care. When Fosamax and other biphosphinates are being used in medication, dentists should be informed. On the other hand, patients who have not started their bisphosphonate therapy may be asked to wait until any immediate dental procedure is finished, even if the procedure is just minor.

Atypical fracture of the femur. On October 13, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration advised the public on additional two atypical femur fractures on the label warnings of bisphosphonates, which include Fosamax. The prolonged use of this drug can actually lead to the development of such fractures as researches suggest. But the FDA believes that the drug’s benefits can still outweighs its risks.

There is a FDA reminder about the use of this drug: when dull, aching pain in the thigh or groin occurs, the therapy must be discontinued immediately for a little while. Additionally, some health care providers prescribe Fosamax for a period not exceeding four years. After all, the goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of the occurrence of fractures and certainly dealing with Fosamax femur fracture will not make it right.

Fosamax Problems

Fosamax is one of the most widely used drugs with nearly 37 million prescriptions written. This drug recently received many complaints from their long-time users because they are believed to be the cause of femur fractures. Different studies have been set out to discover other conditions this drug can cause. However, a good thing was discovered because it was found out that Fosamax can help prolong the life span of prosthetics.

In the United Kingdom, doctors have been following up on some 42, 000 patients who were prescribed with Fosamax and have been implanted with artificial joints. Hip failures and other problems are less likely to occur in implant recipients who are into Fosamax therapy, says a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Men and women have been prescribed with Fosamax as a treatment for their osteoporosis, which are mostly caused by menopause or steroid intake. People with Paget’s Disease or those who experience weak or misshapen bones are also prescribed with this drug. Moreover, this drug is also a prescription among people experiencing poor bone mineral density or osteopenia.

Fosamax therapy have been reported for its drug-to-drug interaction issues. And right now, a thorough investigation is being made on the possibility that Fosamax femur fractures are happening due to other drugs.

Besides the anticipated effects, Fosamax intake may also cause unintended side effects to the body, some of which are positiveand otherwise less favorable.Nevertheless, off-label use of the drug is strongly discouraged because of the possible harm.

Side Effects of Fosamax

Medical attention must immediately considered if allergic reactions such as rash, hives, and difficulty breathing happens following the use of this drug. If medical attention is not sought, things can lead to the following:

• chest pain

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia)

• burning sensation under the ribs or in the back

• severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach (epigastric area)

• fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms

• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain

• new or unusual pain in the hip or thigh

•  jaw pain, numbness or swelling.

Less serious side effects are common in patients taking Fosamax, such as:

•  mild heartburn

• bloating

•  mild nausea, vomiting or stomach pain

•  diarrhea, gas or constipation

•  mild joint pain or swelling

• swelling in your hands or feet

•  dizziness

•  eye pain

•  headache

The duration of a Fosamax therapy is important because this can be vital in preventing adverse effects like femur fractures which is why a doctor’s order is important before taking this drug. A Fosamax lawsuit is currently being filed by many people due to these adverse effects.

References:

arthritis.webmd.com/news/20111206/study-bone-drugs-may-increase-longevity-joint-replacement-implants?src=RSS_PUBLIC

webmd.com/drugs/mono-7174-ALENDRONATE+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=1273&drugname=Fosamax+Oral

Different Approaches to Osteoporosis Prevention

The United States has around 44 million American suffering from osteoporosis and 68 percent of them are women. This disease is considered as a major health problem due to the 1.5 million average fractures it brings every year,medical research says. This problem has led to the development of many treatment options. One of the medical discoveries about this condition is that being heavy is better among those who are suffering from osteoporosis.

Deterioration of the bone happens when one is afflicted with the medical condition called osteoporosis. A bone density test may be done to diagnose or confirm it. In order to prevent the consequences of osteoporosis like bone breakage, this procedure can determine if you need an osteoporosis preventive medication.

Doctors may suggest you several types of therapies to help you in dealing the fractures that comes with osteoporosis. In addition, you may also be asked to adjust your diet and/or engage in regular exercises according to your need. Drug therapy alone may not produce the most desired outcome of the treatment.

Bisphosphonate drugs are presently the most preferred treatment for osteoporosis. They reduce bone loss by preventing bone resorption and lower the risk of spine and hip fracture. The alendronate drug Fosamax is the best example of this drug.

One of the most used osteoporosis treatment before biphosphonates came in the picture was estrogen hormone therapy. Primarily, the hormone estrogen increases bone formation and reduces bone resorption which prevents bone loss. The mechanism is similar to the testosterone replacement therapy which may be prescribed to men who have osteoporosis.

Nutrition, exercise, and safety considerations are the top priorities of a successful treatment program. People suffering from osteoporosis need to have adequate amount of vitamin D and calcium in their diet. Weight bearing are also important like walking and hiking.

There are many approaches for treating osteoporosis. The best treatment program can only be advised by a medical professional who knows your medical history. Advantages and disadvantages are expected in every kind of treatment. For example, the bisphosphonate medication Fosamax has been known to cause severe adverse events, among them atypical fracture of the femur. The drug company that manufactured it somehow failed to provide complete disclosure of the hazard. Right now, it is facing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

References:

orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00232

aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-11-2011/carrying-few-extra-pounds-may-be-healthy.2.html