Bisphosphonates May Increase Risk Of Brittle Bones In Postmenopausal Women

A common class of osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates may actually be putting post-menopausal women at increased risk of fractures.

According to researchers of a new study, these drugs may have an initial benefit to patients, but the longer they are used, the greater the risk of fractures occuring.

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in brittle bones, and it is these bisphosphonates that are supposed to help strengthen bones, but instead they maybe adding to their degrading over time.

“Although bisphosphonates have demonstrated an improvement in bone quantity, little if anything is known about the effects of these drugs on bone quality,” said researcher Brian Gladnick, from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center presented their study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting in New Orleans.