An unusual fracture pattern has been seen in some people who have used bisphosphonates (bone-building drugs) for five years or more. A study published in the May/June issue of The Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma reported on 20 patients who experienced the fracture -- 19 of whom had been using Fosamax for an average of 6.9 years. Bisphosphonates prevent fractures and have been effective drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis.

In the United States, adults suffer 300,000 hip fractures each year. Fractures can be devastating and even have life-threatening consequences, especially in the elderly. The unusual fracture pattern that seems to be associated with bisphosphonates is cause for concern but doctors emphasize it's a rare complication. Patients who have experienced the fractures reported that after a period of achiness, their thighbone snapped while they were walking or standing. The fracture, straight across the upper thighbone, is usually seen after trauma or in the elderly. Merck, the maker of Fosamax, said "the fracture accounted for only about 5 or 6 percent of all broken hips, while drugs like Fosamax reduced the risk for the other 95 percent", according to a report in the New York Times. It may be that bisphosphonates should not be used in people who don’t have a high risk of fracture. More reports from doctors and researchers will likely follow now that the problem has been recognized.

Related Resources:

• Osteoporosis Risk Factor Quiz
• Osteoporosis Screening Quiz
• What Can People Do to Prevent Osteoporosis?
• Bone Up on Osteoporosis
• Americans Over 50 At Risk For Bone Fractures

_{Photo by Tomaz Levstek (iStockphoto)}

Arthritis patients take several medications that increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have taken one of these medications for a long time, you may be lulled into a false sense of security that all is well. It's critical that you know the signs of gastrointestinal bleeding -- because it can happen at any time and it can quickly become an emergency. Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, which runs from your mouth to your anus. More specifically, the gastrointestinal tract is divided into the upper gastrointestinal tract and the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal bleeding ranges from microscopic amounts of blood to massive bleeding. The amount of bleeding and the location of bleeding determine what needs to be done to stop the bleeding. There are numerous conditions that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Because it is a known potential serious side effect of certain medications taken for arthritis -- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids -- patients taking those drugs must not ignore any sign of bleeding. It's critical that you know the warning signs and that you get immediate medical attention if you start to have symptoms. To learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, read Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Don't Ignore Your Symptoms.

Related Resources:

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding - What Happens?
• The Facts of NSAIDs
• The Facts of Corticosteroids
• Nexium Reduces Risk of Ulcers for Long-term NSAID Users

_{Photo © A.D.A.M.}