Possible Fracture Risk With Osteoporosis Drugs

FDA is warning there is a possible risk of a rare type of thigh bone (femoral) fracture in people who take drugs known as bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning there is a possible risk of a rare type of thigh bone (femoral) fracture in people who take drugs known as bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis.

The agency warned patients and health care professionals of this risk on Oct. 13, 2010, because the rare type of femoral fracture has been predominantly reported in patients taking these prescription medications.

FDA says the possible risk of thigh fracture will be reflected in a labeling change for bisphosphonate medications that treat osteoporosis and in a medication guide that will be required to be given to patients when they pick up their prescription.

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that slow or inhibit the loss of bone mass. They have been used successfully since 1995 to prevent and treat osteoporosis and similar diseases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak and are more likely to break.

FDA says it is not clear whether bispho