Alendronate sodium is the generic name of the bone-strengthening drug Fosamax. This medication has been widely considered as the drug of choice for managing osteoporosis. Much to everyones surprise, Merck, the manufacturer of the drug, is now facing a
number of Fosamax femur fracture lawsuits after claims that long-term users of the drug have sustained a certain type of bone problems.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease where there is a decline in bone density resulting in weak and brittle bones. A healthy lifestyle and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is the key to prevent osteoporosis. On the next part of this article are some guidelines to promote your health and shun osteoporosis.
A combination of calcium and vitamin D helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and get stronger bones. Sufficient amount of calcium can be found on milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. For people who are lactose intolerant, you can get good amount of calcium from dark green vegetables such broccoli, collard greens and kale; sardines and salmons including the bones; and calcium-fortified foods and beverages consisting of cereals, orange juice and soymilk.
There are some types of foods that can interfere with calcium absorption. Among these are foods high in oxalate like spinach and beet greens, and phylate like peas, pinto beans and wheat bran. Furthermore, diets high in animal protein, sodium or caffeine may affect the absorption of calcium.
Foods that are great sources of vitamin D are: fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna; egg yolks; liver; milk, orange juice, soymilk, or cereals fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements can also make up to those people who are not getting enough vitamin D from their diet and sunlight exposure. Vitamin D and calcium supplements can increase the risks for kidney stones, thus, you need to confer with your health care provider if you have history of kidney stones.
Adjusting your lifestyle is also important to help prevent osteoporosis. Alcohol is linked to weakening of the bones thus, reducing alcohol may help. Caffeine greatly affects the ability of the body to absorb calcium hence, you might want to think it over the next time you take your cup of coffee. Lastly, stop smoking. After quitting, the risk of osteoporosis seems to diminish as well.
Even those with osteoporosis can follow these guidelines to accompany their medical treatment. However, osteoporosis medication Fosamax now faces complaints regarding its adverse effects. If you have suffered femur fractures as a result of prolonged Fosamax use, you may have a strong to basis to file charges which would be easier with the help of a Fosamax femur lawyer.
