Personal Injury Law

New study shows increased risk Risk of Atrial Fibrillation from the use of Fosamax and Zometa

By Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.

If you or someone you know suffers from osteroporosis and takes bisphosphonate medications, Fosamax  (alendronate) or Zometa ( zoledronic acid), there is something you should know. Doctor Jennifer Miranda, reported findings from a study at a recent scientific conference, that shows  patients taking these medications have an increased risk of  68% for a condition called atrial fibrillation. More specifically these Atrial fibrillation cases can lead to hospitalization or death. Atrial fibrillation is a dangerous condition in which the heart's natural beat and rhythm are disrupted and can lead to severe cardiac malfunction and death. This study was the result of a meta-analysis of more than 16,000 subjects, with a mean age of 69 to 75 years most of whom were female.

Bisphosphonates are a type of drug which inhibit the resorption of bone. They are commonly used to treat osteoporosis and other bone defects because, by reducing the body's natural breakdown of bone, they can help slow the rate at which bones become weak and brittle.

Dr. Miranda is quoted as saying, "In patients with increased risk factors, clinicians should be more cautious when choosing treatment for osteoporosis and weigh the risks against the benefit of decreased fracture risk." While previous clinical trials have shown that atrial fibrillation is a possible side effect from taking Fosamax and Zometa, Dr. Miranda expanded the research to look at existing literature to look for a link between the use of these drugs and atrial fibrillation.

Although the study was presented as an abstract and at a conference, the results of this analysis should not be embraced fully until the full article has been published in a scientific journal and examined by other scientists. Also, the mechanism by which bisphosphonates lead to this increased risk of fibrillation of the atria is not known; all that has been concluded thus far is that there is a link between the two events.

In response, the FDA has begun a safety review to study these results further, and has recommended that physicians to be watchful when prescribing this medication to patients who are already at risk for cardiovascular conditions. Patients taking this drug should consult with their Doctors and should not  alter their prescription patterns, unless ordered by their Doctor.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on October 30, 2008 (boomark / email).