Health

New Experimental Osteoporosis Drug Without Apparent Side Effects

by Annina Bergman | August 11, 2009 at 02:19 pm

297 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment

The experimental drug denosumab seems to treat osteoporosis equally well as existing drugs, but without the side effects. Side effects from the osteoporosis drugs Boniva, Fosamax and Reclast include cancer and even disintegration of bone in the jaw. Denosumab is currently being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

Denosumab has been shown to reduce hip and spine fractures in postmenopausal women and men being treated for prostate cancer - the two groups most affected by osteoporosis. Doctors are welcoming the news, as osteoporosis is one of the biggest health issues for the elderly.

Each year, more than 300,000 Americans over age 65 suffer hip fractures, mostly due to falls, and 15% to 20% die within a year of their injury because of complications from infection or blood clots.

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Beth Morgan (not verified)

at 09:01 on September 30th, 2009

Any idea when this drug might be available to the public? I've just been diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopinea. I don't want to take a drug that will cause further acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems, or bone loss in the jaw, since my teeth are dicey, anyway.