Study Links Drugs to Unusual Fractures

In a small study of leg fractures, nearly all of the people with an unusual type of fracture were taking bone-building drugs. The drugs are called bisphosphonates. They include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva). The drugs are prescribed for people with osteoporosis. In general, they help to strengthen bones and prevent fractures. But recently, doctors have noticed that some people taking them have an unusual type of fracture of the thigh bone (femur). The new study looked at 152 femur fractures. Of these, 20 were the unusual type. And 17 of the 20 people with these fractures had been taking bisphosphonates. People with these fractures also were more likely than others to have rheumatoid arthritis. Many also had taken steroid medicines for at least six months.