Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Esophageal Cancer
Makers of the bone strengthening osteoporosis drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva are facing new challenges to the efficacy of their drugs. The Food and Drug Administration recently reported there is a small risk of contracting esophageal cancer if taking the drugs. Diane K. Wysowski of the FDA's division of drug risk assessment said the agency has received 23 reports of the cancer developing in patients taking Fosamax of which eight of the patients died. European and Japanese authorities have reported an additional 21 cases of cancer. The drugs were already known to cause esophagitis, an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus or throat, which is why patients are told to remain upright for a half-hour after taking the drugs. That inflammation might be a precursor of cancer. Wysowski recommended that physicians not prescribe the drugs to patients who already have problems with their esophagus. The bone strengthening drugs have previously been linked to osteonecrosis (bone
death) of the jaw.
