The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) agrees with the recommendation released today as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign that women under age 65 and men under age 70 should not be screened for osteoporosis with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). But the nations leading community health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones cautions patients to consult with their physicians about their risk factors before deciding to forgo the test.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic versions of Boniva® (ibandronate), a once-monthly prescription tablet used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause. Ibandronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that help increase bone mass and reduce the chance of broken bones. » Read more
NOF Responds to Media Coverage of theNew England Journal of Medicine study “Bone-Density Testing Interval and Transition to Osteoporosis in Older Women” and Encourages Current Patients to Continue Working with their Healthcare Providers to Regularly Monitor their Condition » Read more
The FDA has issued new warning label information for the osteoporosis drug zoledronic acid (Reclast) indicating that the drug should not be used in patients with significant renal impairment and stating that physicians should screen patients for kidney dysfunction before starting them on the drug.
WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 9, 2011) — In an effort to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing and reduce the physical and economic burden of osteoporosis for millions of Americans, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives Michael Burgess (R-26-TX) and Shelley Berkley (D-1-NV) introduced in Congress the “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096 and H.R. 2020). » Read more
HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) would like to make you aware of a new report on hip fracture pain and management. This new Federal report concludes most treatments to relieve pain for patients who suffer a broken hip work at least in the short term, but finds a lack of evidence supporting one treatment over another. In addition, the report highlights an overall lack of high-quality data and evidence. » Read more
The FDA has issued updated information on atypical fractures of the femur associated with the use of bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis. These drugs include Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), Actonel® (risedronate sodium), Boniva® (ibandronate sodium), Atelvia™ (risedronate sodium), Reclast® (zoledronic acid), and their generic equivalents.
November 30, 2010 -- Today the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released updated recommendations regarding calcium and vitamin D intake. IOM recommends 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day for most healthy adults under age 71 and 800 IU for healthy people age 71 and older. The updated IOM recommendations for vitamin D intake are sufficient for most healthy adults, however, some adults may need more. » Read more
Labeling change adds warning about possible risks of long-term use of osteoporosis drugs The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned patients and health care providers about the possible risk of atypical thigh bone (femoral) fracture in patients who take bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. A labeling change and Medication Guide will reflect this risk. » Read more
While a concerted effort to boost research on women's health over the last two decades has lessened the burden cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and cervical cancer, the effort has yielded less progress on other fronts. NBC's Robert Bazell reports. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/39334935#39334935
