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...]