Alternative Treatments To Bisphosphonates

G'Mornin' Again!

Are you tired of this subject yet?

As you know, I have over 25 fractures, and cannot afford to be ignorant.
Entire article found here.
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In This Section: List Of Bisphosphonates | Antiresorptive Medicine |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

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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.).

Sounds as if these guys really DO their homework!
*** 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).

Good Monday Morning All;

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- 

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 may place patients at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (a rotting of the jaw bones), according to  May/June 2006 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal. 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 material List of Bisphosphonates, + their generic versions in this section: List of Bisphosphonates | Antiresorptive medicine | Alternative treatments to bisphosphonates  A list and description of bisphosphonate medications Bisphosphonate medications have been linked to severe injuries such as femur fracturing. Other side-effects of the drugs, such as brittle bones and osteonecrosis of the jaw, have not and are not being properly disclosed to the public. Weitz & Luxenberg is working hard at rectifying this problem by providing you with up-to-date information and helpful resources on bisphosphonates. On this page, you will find a list of the various types of bisphosphonate drugs and information about each one. A list of bisphosphonates: Fosamax - generic name: alendronate - One of the more popular bisphosphonates, Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is prescribed most commonly for osteoporosis and comes in a tablet form, but is also available in liquid form for those that have difficulties swallowing. Fosamax Plus D - generic name: alendronate/cholecalciferol – Similar to Fosamax, Fosamax plus D contains another chemical (cholecalciferol) which is a form of Vitamin D, and aids in the absorption of calcium. Zometa - generic name: zoledronic acid – Prescribed mostly to cancer patients, Zometa helps treat abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. Didronel - generic name: etidronate –This medication is commonly used to treat Paget’s disease (a disease marked by the abnormal enlarging of bones), however doctors have been known to prescribe Didronel for other bone conditions. Reclast - generic name: zoledronic acid – This medication is used to treat a number of bone conditions including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and for preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Boniva - generic name: ibandronate –This drug is prescribed to women who have, or at risk of developing, osteoporosis. Boniva is supposed to slow bone loss, and increase bone mass. Actonel - generic name: risedronate –This is another multi-purpose bisphosphonate used for bone conditions. It is available in tablet form. Aclasta - generic name: zoledronic acid –This is a more all-purpose form of Zometa, which is used primarily for cancer patients. It is administered with an injection into a vein, or slowly via an IV. Aredia - generic name: pamidronate –Another bisphosphonate drug administered in liquid form directly into the bloodstream. This medication is used mostly for cancer patients with high levels of calcium in the blood. Atelvia - generic name: risedronate –This drug is a delayed-release form of Actonel used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is available in pill form. Skelid - generic name: tiludronate – This medication is used primarily to treat Paget’s disease. It is available in pill form and usually taken in regular intervals or as prescribed by a doctor. It is important to note that all bisphosphonates contain severe health risks.  Taking any one of the medications listed above puts you at risk of: Brittle bones Femur fracture Esophageal cancer Esophagitis Osteonecrosis of the jaw Plus, a host of additional side-effects that range from person to person (drugs.com).

end of note to Beth
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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

"brittlebones" pic from here

sally field ad pic found here