The FDA has approved a new drug to treat osteoporosis. The brand name of the drug is Reclast (drug name: zoledronic acid). Some doctors say this is the perfect drug for people who have experienced gastrointestinal side effects of some of the other drugs available. Some rheumatologists say the drug is appropriate for people with severe or aggressive bone loss. Studies indicate the drug can reduce the risk of hip fractures by 41% and the risk of spine fractures by 70%.

One of the appealing things about this drug is that you only have to take it once a year. You should consider that the drug is administered by infusion in the doctor’s office. This would be welcome news for people who take a number of other medications.
For more information on the drug, click here .

Before you get too excited, remember that this, like all drugs, may have side-effects. This drug can cause irregular heart rhythms. Click here to read about this side effect.

Another consideration is the cost of the drug — $800. At first glance, this looks extremely high. But compared with the cost of some of the other drugs over the course of a year (Boniva, for example, would cost at least $1200, depending on your pharmacy), it almost looks like a bargain.

If you want to consider the drug, we suggest that you read all that you can about it and then discuss it with your physician. No drug is right for everybody, and this osteoporosis drug may not be right for you. But if it is, it might be a relief to take it only once a year.

NOTE: In case you didn’t know this, men can also have osteoporosis.

This entry was created on Sunday, October 14th, 2007 at 8:42 am.
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