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Osteoporosis Drugs ‘May Increase Risk Of Eye Disease' Later In Life

The Huffington Post UK  |  By   |  Posted: 3/04/2012 17:37 Updated: 3/04/2012 17:37

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Osteoporosis Drug Eye Disease

Drugs commonly used to help prevent osteoporosis may increase the risk of a serious inflammatory eye disease, Canadian researchers have discovered.

The drug, oral bisphosphonates, which is prescribed to those suffering from osteoporosis, has previously been linked to irregular heartbeat and esophageal and colon cancer.

This time around, to investigate the role of bisphosphonates and the eye disease uveitis (or scleritis), researchers from the Child and Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia studied data of 934,147 people who had a ophthalmologist between 2000 and 2007.

Of the total, 10,827 were first-time users of bisphosphonates and 923,320 were non-users.

"We found that first-time users of bisphosphonates are at an increased risk of scleritis and uveitis," explains Dr Mahyar Etminan from the study.

"The risk of inflammatory ocular adverse events, including scleritis and uveitis, is not highlighted in most package inserts included with oral bisphosphonates.

"Our study highlights the need for clinicians to inform their patients about the signs and symptoms of scleritis and uveitis, so that prompt treatment may be sought and further complications averted."

Bisphosphonates are drugs that in certain situations can help to protect your bones against some of the effects of cancer, such as pain and weakness. They may also be used to reduce a raised calcium level in the blood.

The findings were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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    Peanuts (unsalted) and almonds are great sources of potassium, which helps protect against the loss of calcium in the body. Nuts are also excellent sources of protein and other vital nutrients that play a supportive role in building strong and healthy bones.

  • Top Up On Your Greens

    Dark,leafy greens are packed full of calcium. Greens such as bok choy, Chinese cabbage and kale have the highest levels of the mineral.

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Drugs commonly used to help prevent osteoporosis may increase the risk of a serious inflammatory eye disease, Canadian researchers have discovered. The drug, oral bisphosphonates, which is prescrib...
Drugs commonly used to help prevent osteoporosis may increase the risk of a serious inflammatory eye disease, Canadian researchers have discovered. The drug, oral bisphosphonates, which is prescrib...
 
 
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edmurfin
Old man, on Bonus Time:-)
132 Fans
10:14 PM on 04/03/2012
Bisphosphonates work by preventing osteoclasts from breaking down old bone and preventing osteoblasts from forming new bone. The results is denser but much more brittle bones. Those who use bisphosphonates have a higher risk of fractures than those who don't use them. They also risk osteonecrosis of the jaw - dentists cannot treat bisphosphonate users because of this. Long term users can suffer lowimpact fractures of the thigh bones - just climbing the stairs, as well as lots of other unpleasant and potentially life threatening side efffects. I have severe osteoporosis - so bad that my ribs can fracture just by coughing or bending down too quickly. I'd love to have a cure all drug but prefer to use natural methods to encourage my bones to get stronger. We interfere with natural processes at our peril. Trouble is, the makers of these drugs make billions forom the sales of such drugs and the pharmas don't care about serious side effects, often worse than the condition they claim to treat, as long as the profits roll in.
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PhilEssex
Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not happy.
69 Fans
 
09:25 PM on 04/03/2012
It seems like nothing is any good for us, Sugar, now drugs for Osteoporosis.
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myopin1on
6 Fans
07:29 PM on 04/03/2012
Please AOL, stop putting "Breathing is bad for you" so called news items.
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