2.  Osteoporosis is a medical condition which weakens the bones,
making it more prone to fractures. This bone disease is believed to
afflict eight million women and two million men in the United States
and another 34 million of American people who have low bone
density, which puts them at risk for the disease, according to the
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). The primary medical
intervention for osteoporosis is Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug. This
medication is popular for osteoporotic individuals, considering that
this may help in strengthening their bones and prevent the
development of osteoporosis. However, long-term use of Fosamax is
believed to contribute for the unusual incidences of femur fractures,
especially post-menopausal women. Today, there arenumber of
lawsuits filed aganst Merck & Co., manufacturer of Fosamax in
behalf of the injured women.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about the
potential for some serious side effects in women taking bone-
building drugs, such as Fosamax. The FDA has announced their
concern over the long-term use of this drug, which may potentially
contribute to weakening the bones, thus increasing the risk of serious
side-effects, such atypical femur fractures, esophageal cancers and
osteonecrosis of the jaw, a painful and disfiguring crumbling of the
jaw bone.

3.  Although the concerns about the long-term safety of bone drugs are
not new, the FDA conducted its own systematic review of the
effectiveness of bisphosphonates after years of use. The agency’s
analysis, which found little if any benefit from the drugs after three to five
years of use, may prompt doctors around the country to rethink how
they prescribe them. The F.D.A. report offered little specific guidance
about long-term use, saying that the decision to continue or stop
treatment should be based on an individual assessment of risks, benefits
and preferences discussed between a patient and her doctor.
 It is always essential to take care of our bones. Eating a healthy diet rich
in calcium, magnesium and vitamin C and performing weight-bearing
exercises contributes good benefits to our bone health. If you want to
know more, click here for related information.
References:
 pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june12/bonedensity_05-10.html
 abcnews.go.com/Health/fda-cautions-long-term-bone-drugs-
osteoporosis/story?id=16321946
 well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/new-cautions-about-long-term-use-
of-bone-drugs/
 bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-10/bone-drugs-may-not-help-women-
long-term-fda-review-says.html