US Pharm. 2012;37(6):1.
Geneva, Switzerland—A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found a link between bisphosphonates and atypical thigh fractures. Physicians at the University Hospitals of Geneva in Switzerland examined the records of 477 patients treated at the hospital for broken legs between 1999 and 2010, and discovered that of 39 patients who had the more unusual thigh breaks in which the thigh snaps apart with minimal or no trauma, 32 had taken a bisphosphonate. Although this type of break is very rare, these new findings add to evidence suggesting patients should reconsider taking these osteoporosis medications after 3 to 5 years of use.To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.
