Anna~Anna
"Flintville Annie"
© 2006-2015
Alternative Treatments To Bisphosphonates
The dangers of taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs: information on alternative treatments
"It’s only in this country that people rush to chemical medicines and consider that first," says herbalist Ocoee Miller. “About 85 percent of people in the world use herbal medicines as their healing modality of choice.” Miller is the teacher of the class “Herbs Build Better Bones” at the Community Mercantile in Kansas. She states that people develop conditions like osteoporosis because they do not eat whole grains and exercise enough. This is actually paralleled by western medicine, which states that a healthy diet and regular exercise is one of the best ways of preventing osteoporosis (Livestrong.com).
Whether you choose herbology or not as your alternative method of treatment, it is important to know that legitimate alternative treatments exist for the ailments that bisphosphonates treat.
People have suffered broken thigh bones, painful surgeries, and some have even died needlessly from taking the drug Fosamax.
The problem is that the general public is grossly misinformed about the long-term effects of taking the drug. Merck & Co., Fosamax’s manufacturer, still will not admit that there is a connection between long-term Fosamax use and the following severe side-effects:
- Femur fracture
- Brittle bones
- Esophageal cancer
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
This is despite numerous research studies, testimonies, and prominent news articles.
If the public had been aware of these side-effects, many would have sought an alternative method of treating their condition. As part of weitzlux.com’s ongoing commitment to provide information and resources on Fosamax, we have created a whole section detailing alternative methods of treatment for the ailments for which Fosamax, and other bisphosphonates, are prescribed.
What are the ailments bisphosphonates treat?
Bisphosphonates are used to treat the following conditions:
- Osteoporosis (in men and women)
- Osteopenia
- Paget’s disease
What are the alternative treatments? (WebMD.com) (Livestrong.com)
Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia
Medications:
Calcitonin– this drug is often prescribed to treat osteoporosis in women. It works to bring in more calicium to areas of the body that need it. Men can take Calcitonin if they have normal levels of testosorome. The side-effects are very minimal.
Raloxifene– this is another alternative to bisphosphonates; however, the FDA has issued a warning that the drug puts its users at risk of blood clots.
Changes in diet:
Calcium– Part of the problem with osteoporosis is that the bones are not getting enough calcium. Calcium can be found in: dark leafy vegetables, tofu, low-fat dairy products, and almonds. Calcium supplements also help. The recommended amount of calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams a day for both post-menopausal and pre-menopausal women.
Vitamins– Increasing your vitamin K and D intake is considered to be a vital technique in fighting osteoporosis or osteopenia. Vitamin K is an essential factor in bone metabolism. A deficiency in vitamin K causes a loss in bone-density and fractures. Vitamin D helps bring calcium into the body. Studies conducted on these vitamins show that in three years patients showed less bone loss than those taking a placebo or vitamin D alone. Many people taking antibiotics and/or those that have decreased liver function have been known to suffer from vitamin K deficiency. Leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils such as canola oil or soybean oil contain a lot of vitamin K1.
Vitamin K2 is a very potent form of vitamin K, and is found in meat and diary products. A study conducted in Japan showed that vitamin K2 aided in bone density and reduced spinal fractures in people suffering from osteoporosis just as effectively as etidronate (a bisphosphonate).
Oils– Omega-3 fatty acids help you absorb calcium, reduce calcium loss, and aid in bone growth.
Decreasing Alcohol and Caffeine– Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages decrease bone density and the inhibit body's natural ability to absorb calcium.
Vegetables– Eating vegetables is essential especially to people suffering from osteopenia. A diet that includes lots of rich green vegetables can provide the body with the ideal amounts of phosphorus and calcium.
Changes in lifestyle:
Sunlight– Sunlight contains healthy levels of vitamin D. 15 minutes out in the sun, without sunscreen can help bone health.
Alternative Medicine:
Herbs– Some herbs such as horsetail can provide your body with necessary compounds that it may be lacking. Horsetail in particular contains high levels of silica, which is a component in collagen that is found in bones. Red clover is another useful herb for treatment. It contains isoflavones, which slow bone loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center considers horsetail and red clover to be common herbal treatments for osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Acupuncture– This is another widely used treatment; however, the positive results are not proven or guaranteed. Studies have shown that acupuncture may certainly decrease pain associated with osteoporosis (Osteopenia3.com).
Paget’s disease
It is important to note that there is no cure for Paget’s disease. The disease can only go into periods of remission.
Medications:
Plicamycin– this drug is prescribed for Paget’s disease and for various forms of cancer. It can affect egg and sperm production and cause birth defects during the treatment period.
Calcitonin– this drug can also be used to treat Paget’s disease.
Diet:
Calcium– A healthy diet with lots of calcium and vitamin D and regular exercise is also very beneficial for treating Paget’s disease (mayoclinic.com).
Alternative Medicine:
Acupuncture– This has been known to decrease the pain of Paget’s disease (WebMD.com).
Can I be compensated for injuries caused by Fosamax?
Yes. We can help you pursue compensation for femur fractures you have sustained from Fosamax use. Weitz & Luxenberg knows how serious these fractures can be and we want to help you receive compensation for them. Simply fill out the form on this page, and a representative will be in touch with you shortly to provide you with a free legal consultation.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteoporosis-prevention
http://www.livestrong.com/article/208732-herbology-definition/
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/jan/10/merc-class-will-teach-how-herbs-fight-osteoporosis/
http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=3303
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32300-tips-osteopenia-treatment-alternatives/#ixzz1CezaP3tE
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001022
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pagets-disease-of-bone/DS00485/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
http://www.osteopenia3.com/index.html
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/pagets-disease-of-bone-other-treatment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Isn't it something that the best info I have found on Alternative Treatments is found on attorney's website?!
(Thank you Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.).
XOXO
Me
Sounds as if these guys really DO their homework!
*** Click here for the history of their firm.
*** Click here for the history of their firm.
Very nice!
And yes they are here for all US Citizens.
And no, I am not a client. (Too bad, eh)? hehehe
PLEASE do the clicks above. For yourself; and for those you love.
Your bones, once fractured, do not heal correctly, and remain quite painful.
Please also feel free to share this, and all (my) educational osteo entries with those you know that will benefit from them.
Include all credits and links. (I really don't need a law firm on my back). hehehe
XOXO
Me
BISPHOSPHONATES- (And the official Boniva pitchlady).
I am going to 'cheat' today and just copy a note I had written to my good friend, Beth.
Too tired after cleaning up doggie barf all weekend-
Too tired after cleaning up doggie barf all weekend-
As you might remember, Beth was dx'ed with a plethora of garbage going on in her system- (after she finally went to her doctor that is). hehehe
I am happy to tell you that she has beaten her breast cancer as well.
She recently told me that her doctor had prescribed Actonel, a bisphosphonate.
| Dear Beth; I am hoping you canceled that date you have for getting any more bisphosphonates? Know that once you have osteo anywhere, you have osteo. some bones may be less thin than others, but the disorder is systemic. Anyway, I have a link for you about other peoples experiences with it. http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20835&name=ACTONEL From the FDA Osteoporosis Drugs' Safety Subject of FDA Panel - 9 Sep, 2011 http://www.drugs.com/news/bone-may-also-battle-breast-cancer-researchers-say-35253.html Be very careful on all of these drugs Beth. *** What to use instead... 2000 mg calcium and Vitamin D3 in an OIL base pill. 3x day. More, does not help anything get better faster. One really good multivitamin (I use NatureMade from CVS for Women over 50), and I take 2 daily. Additional Vitamin K2, aka MK4 Also Strontium- But take these at night before you go to bed- on an empty stomach. Mail order or at Streu's which uses, and has ALL Enzymatic Therapy products. Garlic, the refrigerated variety, or Kyolic is best. Take 6 a day until you feel better. DHEA http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html (Great article). http://www.worldhealth.net/news/dhea_supplements_taken_with_calcium_and_/ More articles: You HAVE TO READ THIS ONE: Janet's story; DEATH by Reclast (also a bisphosphonate) http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/death-by-reclast-janets-story/ Bone building medications destroy bone! http://www.laleva.org/eng/2006/04/bone-building_medications_destroy_bone.html I have a couple of appointments today... But now YOU have plenty of reading to do. I will send more later. Love to you always XOXO Me PS Oh yeah- and TELL YOUR DENTIST!!! Many dentists, mine included, refuse to work on patients that have had bisphosphonates. From here: http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/biop.htm Lots of links on that page, also: "Treatment drug may cause jawbone to die Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis, and individuals undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs that contain bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget’s disease (bone cancers), and bone metastasis from other cancers. These drugs can bond to bone surfaces and prevent osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) from doing their job. “Healthy bones constantly rebuild themselves, however, since the jawbones have rapid cell turnover, they can fail to heal properly in patients taking any of the bisphosphonate drugs. Patients need to be aware of the possibility of complications from dental surgery or extractions.” Since these drugs linger in the bone indefinitely, they may upset the cell balance in how the jaws regenerate and remove unhealthy bone. In their report, the authors refer to the case of a woman who received bisphosphonate therapy intravenously to treat metastatic breast cancer. She then developed osteonecrosis in her upper and lower jaws following tooth removal. “This type of osteonecrosis has been occurring since the advent of these drugs, at this time osteonecrosis as a result of bisphosphonate therapy has no treatment.” end copied materialA list and description of bisphosphonate medicationsBisphosphonate medications have been linked to severe injuries such as femur fracturing. A list of bisphosphonates:
It is important to note that all bisphosphonates contain severe health risks.
Plus, a host of additional side-effects that range from person to person (drugs.com). |
____________________________________________
Through a link to BHG magazine, came this scolding from the FDA-
From one year ago!
"To earlier generations of TV viewers, Sally Field was known as the Flying Nun, but Genentech has succeeded in transforming her into something else - a modern-day marketing symbol as the official Boniva pitchlady. And her cherubic face and down-to-earth demeanor have helped Genentech considerably, since the ads for Boniva - which is approved for preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women - have become widely recognized staples in the media.
But Genentech runs the risk of sullying this success with ads that contain misleading info. And that’s what the FDA says it found in one recent print ad featuring Field in the December 12, 2010, issue of Parade magazine. The ad contained this line just under a picture of Sally: “Studies show, after a year on Boniva, 9 out of 10 women stopped and reversed their bone loss”
The agency, however, says this “misleadingly overstates the efficacy” because the claim is not supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical experience.
Also,
*** The FDA does not require a public retraction of this misleading ad!
Then there is the sad, but true "Boniva: What If Sally Field Told the Truth?"
By Vivian Goldscmidt -A REAL rewrite of the commercial as it should have aired.
Nominally entertaining to those of us that have been dx'ed with osteoporosis.
I only wish that Ms. Vivian had the re$ource$ behind her to release her own ad on TV for everyone.
Of course it is ultimately YOUR choice as to whether or not to subject your body to something that will ultimately destroy it.
Like CHEMO treatments, these chemicals remain in your body for decades!!!
XOXO
Me
Me
"brittlebones" pic from here
sally field ad pic found here
Bone Scan Mania: A 12 Year Drug Industry Con Finally Exposed. « SpeakEasy
Got Bones????
Article from Alternet. Click on title, directly below.
Where did the medical establishment get the idea that women are in such danger of osteoporosis they need regular bone scans? An idea debunked in this week’sNew England Journal of Medicine?
In 1994, a year before Fosamax, Merck’s blockbuster bone drug, was approved, Merck began marketing the dangers of osteoporosis “far beyond ailing old ladies.” It hired researcher Jeremy Allen to whip up osteopenia fears to sell bone drugs by planting bone scan machines in medical offices across the country, says National Public Radio. Allen created the faux “Bone Measurement Institute” to establish osteopenia, the “risk of osteoporosis,” as a health epidemic.
The scheme worked.
By 1999, there were 10,000 bone scan machines in medical offices, said the Associated Press, when there had been only 750 before the bone drugs hit the market. The diagnosis of osteopenia increased seven fold.
Allen’s company also pushed through the Bone Mass Measurement Act which made bone scans Medicare reimbursable. The legislation was written by Rep. Constance A. Morella (R-MD.), who appeared with HHS Secretary Donna Shalala in 1998 at a rally kicking off free bone density screenings to be offered in US 100 cities. Not that they had a opinion. The publicly funded bone scans were so lucrative to drug companies, when their Medicare-reimbursement became threatened, an article in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine article exhorted readers to “Lobby your legislators,” scientific objectivity be damned.
The article, “Managing Osteoporosis: Challenges and Strategies,” says without Medicare reimbursement, patients are “likely to be harmed by limited access to DXA testing [bone scans] because of fewer instruments in operation and greater distances to travel to reach them,” and outpatient facilities will incur “financial losses.”
While osteoporosis is a real disease, osteopenia was never meant to be “a disease in itself to be treated,” says Dartmouth Medical School professor Anna Tosteson, MD who attended the 1992 World Health Organization (WHO) meeting in Rome where the term was first invented. The scientists in the room were simply tired and agreed on a definition of the term because they wanted to adjourn for the night, she told NPR.
The bone density units, called “T scores,” used to define osteopenia are equally as fallacious, wrote Susan Kelleher in Seattle Times: They had “boundaries so broad they include more than half of all women over 50.”
If bone drugs like Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel (called bisphosphonates) weren’t harmful, the bone scan con would simply be a case of overmedicating women, ripping off patients, taxpayers and raising insurance costs. But bisphosphonates have been reported to greatly increase the risk of esophageal cancer and osteonecrosis of the jaw–jawbone death. Some dentists will not work on women who take them. Bisphosphonates are also linked to irregular heart beats and intractable pain, according to medical journals.
Nor do the bone drugs even prevent fractures–their intended purpose! By suppressing bone remodeling, they are supposed to stop bone loss. But since the bone is not being renewed, it becomes brittle, ossified and fractures. The thigh bones of patients on bisphosphonates have “simply snapped while they were walking or standing,” after “weeks or months of unexplained aching,” reported the New York Times in an article called “Drugs to Build Bones May Weaken Them.” Oops. Medical journals and patients on the web site askapatient have been reporting the fractures for years.
At the 2010 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in New Orleans, doctors were actually shown the qualitative differences in bisphosphonate treated bone and could see how the bone had degraded over four years of treatment. Half the doctors at one presentation said they’d seen patients with bisphosphonate- compromised bone personally, when asked, reported theLos Angeles Times.
It should be embarrassing to the medical establishment and Medicare administrators that the drug industry and its paid celebrities drove the mania for the bone scans, “osteopenia” and bone drugs. Look how Today host Meredith Vieira helped.
“When I became menopausal, my doctor recommended I get a bone mineral density test. I had never even heard of it, to be quite honest. I thought, ‘I’m in great health, great shape. I have no symptoms. Why do I need this?’” she toldUSA Today. ”To illustrate how ignorant I was when I had the test done, I asked where I could change and the nurse told me I didn’t need to take off my clothes. They did a test on my heel, hip and spine, which only took a matter of five minutes. And it was totally painless. It’s so simple to do.”
And it should be even more embarrassing that the con only surfaced when the biggest bone drug patents are expired so the drug companies don’t even care–because the big bucks are behind them.
Posted by Martha Rosenberg at 4:54 pm
January 19, 2012
________________________________________________
Thank you Martha Rosenberg for bringing this to our attention.
Thus far I have GERD- the predecessor to esophageal cancer.
I also have ONJ, and my dentist has now referred me to an oral surgeon who will TRY to fix my mouth this coming Tuesday.
Lucky lucky me.
Odd too, how I researched any/EVERYthing that was prescribed to CaseyAnne to go into her body during these years and years of her illness.
* My own fault that I wasn't bright enough to investigate what went into my own!
I will have an article soon on Osteoporosis, plus the dangerous drugs we are prescribed to take.
The blog is long, but will be of interest to anyone with bones.
XOXO
Me
From one of my favorite guys...
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
Truly, I dang near fell out of my chair, if not for the arm-rests thereon.
At times I am guilty- and yet, y'all seem to bear with me as the keys fly. (Thanks a million for that)!
Read on, with a smile on your face!
_______________________
By Richard Nordquist, About.com Guide January 11, 2012
_______________________
Today's guest post is by Ellis O. Jones (1874-1967), a comic playwright, anti-war activist, and editor of the original Life magazine.
Use Short Sentences
Writers who wish to impart to their productions power and pungency, who wish to keep the reader's attention upon the tiptoe of activity, who desire to escape the imputation of pedantry and who seek to surcharge their sentiments with sparkle and spirit, will do well to bear in mind constantly that long, lingering sentences, unduly overburdened with an abundance of phrases, clauses, and parenthetical observations of a more or less digressive character, are apt to be tiresome to the reader, especially if the subject matter be at all profound or ponderous, to place an undue strain upon his powers of concentration and to leave him with a confused concept of the ideas which the writer apparently has been at great pains to concentrate, while short, snappy sentences, on the other hand, with the frequent recurrence of subject and predicate, thus recalling and emphasizing the idea to be expressed as the development of the thought proceeds, like numerous sign-posts upon an untraveled road, these frequent breaks having the effect of taking a new hold upon the reader's attention, oases in the desert of words, as it were, will be found to be much more effective, much more conductive to clarity, and far better calculated to preserve the contact, the wireless connection, so to speak, between the writer and the reader, provided, however, and it is always very easy to err through a too strict and too literal application of a general rule, that the sentences are not so short as to give a jerky, choppy, and sketchy effect and to scatter the reader's attention so often as to send him wool-gathering completely.
(Originally published in the humor magazine Life, reprinted in The Writer, December 1913)
_______________________
My many thanks to Mr. Nordquist!
XOXO
Me
Moving Obama To Europe
http://www.nationalmemo.com/content/moving-obama-europe
For my birther friends...
Are there REALLY people that still believe this crap?
**Please remember there is a HUGE difference between stupid and ignorant.
Must get in the shower now!
Hope y'all have a 'wunnaful' day!
XOXO
Me
Title
Moving Obama To Europe | National Memo | Breaking News, Smart Politics
For my birther friends...
Are there REALLY people that still believe this crap?
**Please remember there is a HUGE difference between stupid and ignorant.
Must get in the shower now!
Hope y'all have a 'wunnaful' day!
XOXO
Me
Title
Moving Obama To Europe | National Memo | Breaking News, Smart Politics
A very Unique, and 'Green' Idea for Power Outages.
Received via my email from Mr. Duane.
Thanks Duane- This is very cool!
XOXO,
XOXO,
Me
|
hehehe
Now how is that for a fantastic and GREEN idea?!
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