Bisphosphonates: Just shared this to the Bone... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,320 members40,434 posts

Bisphosphonates

HeronNS profile image
5 Replies

Just shared this to the Bone Health community, but thought info would be of interest here as well:

On another forum someone has posted information about two studies that have been done evaluating studies on bisphosphonates. The results give one food for thought.

Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Bisphosphonates

Systematic Review of the Harms of Bisphosphonates

Worth reading no matter which side of the argument you are on.

ti.ubc.ca/therapeutics-lett...

Written by
HeronNS profile image
HeronNS
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Links or a proper reference would be helpful - there are about a dozen systematic reviews if you search just that.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

These were the exact titles. Googling titles is how I found them from info on the other forum. I had trouble getting the link I copied for one of them to work properly as currently there seems to be a failure on the web page, although it still turns up with a google search, so thought I'd let others do same. Here is the working link:

ti.ubc.ca/2012/06/14/a-syst...

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toHeronNS

This should do it:

ti.ubc.ca/therapeutics-lett...

Celtic profile image
CelticPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toHeronNS

Heron, it looks as though the study was carried out on a large number of people so could prove quite useful. I've always hoped never to be in a position where I needed bisphosphonates, and reading the conclusions of this study doesn't do anything to convert me. It also hasn't helped to watch my elderly aunt go through years of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, being monitored and advised along the way that her bone density was improving, only to still end up with a spinal fracture. Also a member of my PMR support group who also posts on this site has suffered two fractured femurs due to bisphosphonates. I do understand that some people need bone protection and do well on it -perhaps some people are just more vulnerable to the treatment than others. Hopefully future research will bring about a safer treatment - meanwhile, I'll stick to the oily fish, the Vit D, a calcium-rich diet, and cross everything!

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toCeltic

I agree. It is possible that some of us are more prone to side effects than others. Probably a genetic component. For me, working to counteract side effects of prednisone is time consuming enough, and I wouldn't want to risk having to deal with potential side effects of bisphosphonates. ;)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Bisphosphonates reassurance sought!

Following 15 months of prednisolone for GCA I am now embarking on 15 months of prednisolone for...

Intravenous bisphosphonates

I've looked through the archives and found a number of posts from members who decided against...
Marijo1951 profile image

Advice on taking bisphosphonates

I am looking for a bit of advice on whether I should go along with the rheumy's suggestion that I...
anniemb profile image

Bisphosphonates for wedge fractures

Background: on prednisone since August 2018 and some difficulty initially getting symptom control...
KinnearD profile image

Bisphosphonates and the dentist

I went for a check up at the dentist yesterday and I was pleased to be able to tell him that I...
Bj2016 profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.