Bisphosphonates have for the longest time administered as treatment for osteoporosis, being present in a wide array of popular drugs such as Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are now warning that these drugs may not be worth the risk of developing rare thighbone fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In addition, drug manufacturers that use bisphosphonates are now required to include the possibility of such complications developing because of using the drugs to treat osteoporosis.

Sandra Kweder, who is from FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said that the agency is still investigating the link between use of bisphosphonates and development of rare thigh bone fracture, but advised patients to have all the safety information about the drugs available. The FDA also recommends speaking to a doctor in case of the development of any pain in the groin or thigh during the use of bisphosphonates.

The situation, however, puts patients between a rock and hard place. This is because bisphosphonates have helped a myriad of women with osteoporosis avoid major thigh and hip fractures which are fatal. The National Osteoporosis Foundation, which had earlier on given the nod to using these drugs, has also sounded an alarm against using them to treat minor conditions.

The fact, on the other hand, is that for most patients the benefits are more and stronger than the risks.
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