The issue of Fosamax and its reported adverse effects is no longer a new discourse and the progress has been slow and steady. Just an update, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) Advisory Committee will have a discussion regarding Fosamax. It appears that the benefit this bone-strengthening medication carries along liabilities and now it"s taking its toll on its patients.
Fosamax is a biphosphonate drug commonly prescribed for treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Otherwise known by its generic version alendronate sodium, this drug works by preventing bone breakdown in the bone cycle increasing bone density.
This drug is also known to have a number of unintended effects particularly on the upper digestive tract. However, more bad news is coming for this drug as now, it is believed to be associated with certain types of cancers.
January 2009, FDA reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that it had 23 reports of esophageal cancers in the United States while an additional 21 cases in Europe and Japan where the suspect drug is Fosamax. The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from your mouth to the stomach.
At an early stage, an esophageal cancer is asymptomatic meaning it has no symptoms at all. But as the cancer progresses, patient may experience odynophagia "" painful swallowing - or dysphagia "" difficulty swallowing, weight loss and hemoptysis "" coughing of blood. Risk factors of the disease include smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, and damage from acid reflux.
Fosamax is already known to cause inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus. Thus, it is imperative to take the drug first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water and at least half an hour before your first meal. The patient should also remain standing or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after administering the drug.
On latest studies, it was found that Fosamax and other bone-building drugs also raises the dangers of throat cancer. Former researches conclude no difference but in the latest data, the likelihood of acquiring the illness is 2 times higher. Nevertheless, we need to keep in mind as well that the actual numbers are still minimal, incidence is 2 in every 1000 people while the normal risk is 1 in every 1000 people.
There are still other Fosamax side effects that were not mentioned in the article. Also, you need to confer with your physician regarding your concerns about your medical condition and your therapy.
