As Jaw Disease Dominates Headlines, Women Should Weigh Options for Preventing Osteoporosis
Posted on: Thursday, 17 August 2006, 06:00 CDT
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- With such varied treatments available for osteoporosis, menopausal women are rightfully concerned about their options. Warren Levy, Ph.D., who has been involved in researching bone health for over 25 years, and is President and CEO of Unigene Laboratories, advises women to carefully consider the benefits and potential side effects of available drugs before selecting a treatment, and to consult their physicians.
One important safety issue to be considered is highlighted in a case report in the May/June 2006 issue of General Dentistry. The article stated that individuals at risk for osteoporosis often take drugs that contain bisphosphonates, and thus may be putting themselves at risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw -- a rotting of the jawbones.
"Human bones continually rebuild themselves, and jawbones specifically require rapid turnover," explains Dr. Levy. "Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease (bone cancers), bone metastasis from other cancers," Dr. Levy relates.
"While bisphosphonates are effective in increasing bone density and preventing/treating fractures, there is also a risk that these drugs may deposit within the bone. If so, they may interfere with osteoclasts, the cells that normally breakdown bone, and prevent them from doing their job," says Dr. Levy.
"In fact," he adds, "studies are beginning to show that bisphosphonate drugs linger in bones for many years, and may upset the body's ability to repair damage and replace old bone."
Women concerned about osteoporosis and osteopenia (early bone loss) are advised to consider various products and discuss treatment options with their physician. In addition to bisphosphonates, other drug options are Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), parathyroid hormone and drugs containing a natural hormone called calcitonin. Globally available, calcitonin products have been around for more than 30 years and have impressive safety records.
"The important thing for women and their physicians to remember before beginning or changing any drug regimen for osteoporosis and osteopenia, is to weigh efficacy, potential side effects and safety risks, especially when new studies of these drugs are published," advises Dr. Levy.
Dr. Levy's company, Unigene Laboratories, performs global research and development in osteoporosis in areas that include calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. For more information, please log on to http://www.unigene.com/
Unigene Laboratories
CONTACT: Susan Morgenbesser, +1-212-825-3210,smorgenbesser@investorrelationsgroup.com for Unigene Laboratories
Web site: http://www.unigene.com/
Source: PRNewswire
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