--- title: More Attention to Potential Risks from Bisphosphonates date: 2011-02-28T22:11:26-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/more-attention-to-potential-risks-from-bisphosphonates" section: Blog (Archive) --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# More Attention to Potential Risks from Bisphosphonates By Rachel Walden • February 28, 2011 Please note: This entry -- originally posted at [Our Bodies, Our Blog](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog) -- has not been updated since the publication date listed above. We have [previously](http://www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2008/12/osteopororsis-medicine-national-womens-health-network-urges-women-to-consider-the-risks) [written](http://www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2008/07/bone-building-drugs-may-cause-an-uncommon-fra) about the apparently small risk of a rare bone fracture associated with drugs meant to prevent bone fractures in people with osteoporosis. These drugs are called bisphosphonates, known under trade names such as Fosamax and Boniva. Today, NPR's [Morning Edition has a good overview](http://www.npr.org/2011/02/28/134064950/rare-fractures-linked-to-drugs-for-weak-bones) of this topic, noting the dilemma for women weighing whether to take such drugs. Bisphosphonates can help some women prevent serious hip fractures, but they may be associated with a increased risk of other atypical fractures in some women, especially those who use the drugs long-term. There's a [new study on this topic](http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/305/8/783.short) in the Journal of the American Medical Association as well. The study found that treatment with a bisphosphonate for more than five years was associated with an increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures, though the risk of these fractures is low. The [FDA announced a labeling change](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm229171.htm) to the drugs in October 2010 to note the possible risk of thigh bone fractures. --- #### 0 Response Our Bodies Ourselves is no longer able to accept comments. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [Aging](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/aging) - [Drugs & Pharmaceutical Companies](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/drugs-pharmaceutical-companies) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)