Addressing non-traumatic bone fractures

February 4, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been taking Boniva for almost five years. Could I or should I stop now? I’ve heard there is some discussion about this. I’m 74. Your opinion, please.

DEAR READER: Boniva is prescribed to slow bone loss, increase bone mass, and treat or prevent osteoporosis in women, a condition in which bones become thin, weaken, and are subject to easy fracture.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to physicians and their patients on Oct. 14, 2010, regarding an increased risk of bone fractures of the thigh with bone-strengthening bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Fosamax and Actonel. The report went on to indicate it remains unclear whether drugs in the category trigger thigh fractures, but because of the potential connection, labeling now warns of the possibility. [Read more...]

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On Paget’s of the bone

June 12, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an 83-year-old woman. One of my many health problems is bone Paget’s disease. When I was 72, my left thigh bent so bad that it fractured. My left leg was also shorter, and I had to have a rod put in from my knee to my hip. That did not stop the disease, but it helped a lot with the pain. Then my leg got shorter again, and I was told my hipbone was bending as the left thigh did.

I went to a new doctor, who put me on Actonel for 30 days. He said he was sure that I would be rid of the Paget’s, which I really could not believe.

For the past two years, every blood test I have taken for alk phos has been below normal. I think normal is 119, and my last test was 84. My hip is still bent, but has not gotten any worse. I recommend anyone with Paget’s see an endocrinologist, and I hope they will get the same results as I did.
[Read more...]

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Patients allowed to refuse meds

May 15, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I don’t want to take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. My doctor insists. Can I refuse? He discounts the heavy-duty resistance exercises I do daily.

DEAR READER: Yes, you can. Your physician can strongly recommend a medication or course of treatment and indicate why he feels it is necessary, but the bottom line is that it’s your body. I am sure that he has your best interests at heart, but perhaps a calcium plus vitamin D supplement will suffice. Therefore, before getting into any shouting match, I suggest you speak with him and review all options.

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