Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
2011/05/26 [Taiwan Awakening News Reporter Hsiao Chieh-yun, Taipei Report]
In Taiwan, it is common for elderly individuals or menopausal women to "supplement bone density" through oral or injection methods. However, the Department of Health today stated that the use of osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates) may lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw, thinning of the mid-femur bone, or even atypical fractures. The agency has mandated that warning labels be added to the product information for such medications.
Dr. Li Zheng-zhe, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Dental Department of National Taiwan University Hospital, noted that if patients have been using bisphosphonate osteoporosis medications for more than three years, they should consult their doctor to assess the possibility of discontinuing the medication for three months before undergoing tooth extraction or dental implant procedures to avoid the risk of jawbone necrosis.
"The most important preventive measure for osteoporosis is avoiding fractures—the key is not bone density, which doesn’t increase significantly even with injections," advised Dr. Yang Rong-sen, an orthopedic specialist at National Taiwan University Hospital. He recommended that people increase their intake of vitamin D and calcium to supplement bone health.
As for whether postmenopausal women or the elderly need osteoporosis medications, Dr. Yang emphasized that an evaluation of bone density and fracture risk must first be conducted. Medication is only recommended if bone density is low and fracture risk is high.
Regarding the high risk of atypical fractures associated with these medications, Dr. Yang explained that the risk is concentrated among those who have used osteoporosis drugs for more than five years. He cited the case of a female patient who, after seven years of bisphosphonate use, experienced a fracture after feeling her thigh go "sore and weak" (a Taiwanese colloquialism for muscle fatigue) upon standing.
He added that while the incidence rate was initially about one in 10,000, it has now risen to 30 in 10,000. Although research on the matter remains inconclusive, high-risk fracture patients should continue using osteoporosis medications while undergoing regular risk assessments.
The Food and Drug Administration under the Department of Health noted that 370,000 people in Taiwan use bisphosphonate medications, which may cause related side effects. Currently, there have been 33 cases of jawbone necrosis and four cases of atypical femoral fractures reported, with three applications for drug injury compensation.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 110526/ 115/ 2s8a0. html
Osteoporosis Drug Causes Fractures? Health Department Mandates Warning
In Taiwan, it is common for elderly individuals or menopausal women to "supplement bone density" through oral or injection methods. However, the Department of Health today stated that the use of osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates) may lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw, thinning of the mid-femur bone, or even atypical fractures. The agency has mandated that warning labels be added to the product information for such medications.
Dr. Li Zheng-zhe, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Dental Department of National Taiwan University Hospital, noted that if patients have been using bisphosphonate osteoporosis medications for more than three years, they should consult their doctor to assess the possibility of discontinuing the medication for three months before undergoing tooth extraction or dental implant procedures to avoid the risk of jawbone necrosis.
"The most important preventive measure for osteoporosis is avoiding fractures—the key is not bone density, which doesn’t increase significantly even with injections," advised Dr. Yang Rong-sen, an orthopedic specialist at National Taiwan University Hospital. He recommended that people increase their intake of vitamin D and calcium to supplement bone health.
As for whether postmenopausal women or the elderly need osteoporosis medications, Dr. Yang emphasized that an evaluation of bone density and fracture risk must first be conducted. Medication is only recommended if bone density is low and fracture risk is high.
Regarding the high risk of atypical fractures associated with these medications, Dr. Yang explained that the risk is concentrated among those who have used osteoporosis drugs for more than five years. He cited the case of a female patient who, after seven years of bisphosphonate use, experienced a fracture after feeling her thigh go "sore and weak" (a Taiwanese colloquialism for muscle fatigue) upon standing.
He added that while the incidence rate was initially about one in 10,000, it has now risen to 30 in 10,000. Although research on the matter remains inconclusive, high-risk fracture patients should continue using osteoporosis medications while undergoing regular risk assessments.
The Food and Drug Administration under the Department of Health noted that 370,000 people in Taiwan use bisphosphonate medications, which may cause related side effects. Currently, there have been 33 cases of jawbone necrosis and four cases of atypical femoral fractures reported, with three applications for drug injury compensation.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 110526/ 115/ 2s8a0. html