A recently released British study indicates that women taking Fosamax to treat Osteoporosis are at increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat. Fosamax, manufactured by Merck, is heavily marketed and advertised for woman who may suffer from Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) affects about eight million women and two million men and causes more than 1.5 million fractures yearly in the U.S.
The study concluded that women taking Fosamax were 86% more likely to develop a heart condition called atrial fibrillation than women who never used the drug. Atrial fibrillation is dangerous because it greatly increases the risk of stroke. If the heart doesn’t beat strongly, blood can collect, or pool, in the atria. Pooled blood is more likely to form clots.
A study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine found a slightly increased risk of atrial fibrillation among thousands of women taking Fosamax compared with those who were not, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the differences between the two groups were not “significant”.
Boy….the old FDA really looks out for Americans!
Dan Frith
Dan Frith has over 25 years of experience representing individuals and families throughout Virginia. He recently published A Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care in Virginia and has been named "Best Medical Malpractice Attorney" by Roanoker Magazine. To speak with Dan, contact him by email at dfrith@frithlawfirm.com.
