While some studies have reported that risking the possible side effects that could come with bone-strengthening drugs could be better than succumbing to osteoporosis, some patients are finding that the drugs are doing nothing to prevent fractures.
According to the Los Angeles Times, many doctors have reported unusual fractures in patients who take bisphosphonate drugs. These bone breaks, known as atypical subtrochanteric fractures, have been documented through the Food and Drug AdministrationÂ’s (FDA) MedWatch system and are currently being looked into for harmful side effects.
Although there has not been concrete evidence to suggest that the drugs are to blame, several patients have come forward to say that they believe the prescription medication is the root of the problem.
According to AlterNet, the FDA recently posted an alert that suggests that these drugs may not offer any more protection than if people did not take prescription medication altogether.
“The data showed that patients taking bisphosphonates and those not taking bisphosphonates had similar numbers of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures relative to classical osteoporotic hip fractures,” the alert said.
Several doctors believe that nutritional supplements such as vitamin D and calcium may serve as an alternative way to boost bone strength.