Studies about Avandia bone fracture side effects and connection between Fosamax and atrial fibrillation

Two new studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine provide new evidence about side effects of Avandia, Actos and Fosamax. One study established a heightened risk of bone fractures among Avandia and Actos users. The other study found a connection between women who used the osteoporosis drug Fosamax and atrial fibrillation.

ACTOS AND AVANDIA FRACTURE RISKS

Avandia and Actos are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are part of a class of medications known as thiazolidinediones, which work by sensitizing the body to insulin. However, researchers indicate that Actos and Avandia side effects also stimulate cells which lead to reabsorbing bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

>>INFORMATION: Avandia Fracture Lawsuits

Researchers compared records for over 1,000 diabetics who had suffered bone fractures between 1994 and 2005, against diabetics who did not have a fracture. The risk of Actos and Avandia fractures were found to be twice as high among individuals who used one of the medications, compared with diabetics who had not taken one of the medications.

The greatest risk was found among diabetics who took the drug for over two years or more, but the odds of a fracture started to increase substantially after 12 to 18 months. The risk of Actos and Avandia fractures was most notable in the hip bones and wrist bones.

FOSAMAX ATRIAL FIBRILLATION SIDE EFFECTS

In another study in the same issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers uncovered additional evidence about a possible connection between Fosamax and atrial fibrillation, which is a type of abnormal heartbeat which can lead to blood clots and strokes. Last year, a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified an increased risk of atrial fibrillation among Fosamax users, and the FDA has indicated they will study the risk among patients who took either Fosamax or Reclast.

>>PRIOR POST (5/7/2007): Fosamax Atrial Fribrillation Side Effects

Researchers compared 719 women who had atrial fibrillation to 966 women who did not, and found that users of Fosamax had nearly double the risk of atrial fibrillation. However, there are conflicting studies about the Fosamax risk, as another study reported last month in the British Medical Journal found no association between bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, and atrial fibrillation.

FOSAMAX AND AVANDIA LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. currently represent individuals who are pursuing Fosamax lawsuits and Avandia lawsuits. Claims are being evaluated for users of Avandia who have suffered a severe bone fracture, or heart side effects, such as a heart attack, congestive heart failure or death. For Fosamax, our lawyers are not currently reviewing cases on behalf of users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, but lawsuits are being pursued for individuals diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered as a result of Fosamax or Avandia side effects, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.