Atelvia joins ranks of osteoporosis treatments

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently saw a television ad for Atelvia, a new osteoporosis treatment. Since I’ve never heard of it before, can you tell me anything about this product?

DEAR READER: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Atelvia (risedronate sodium) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is essentially a delayed-release form of Actonel. It is available in pill form that should not be crushed or chewed and is to be taken once a week with at least a half cup of plain water immediately following breakfast. A person may stand or sit but should not lie down for 30 minutes following ingestion. If antacids or calcium supplements are taken routinely, they should be consumed at a different time of day than the Atelvia.
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Addressing non-traumatic bone fractures

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...]