Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Bisphosphonates Do Double Duty

Certain bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by 50 percent.

Women taking common medications to prevent osteoporosis may get an added benefit. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates such as risedronate (Actonel), ibandronate (Boniva), alendronate (Fosamax) and zoledronic acid (Zometa) cut the risk of endometrial cancer in half in a long-term study that included more than 23,000 women.

None of the women had cancer when the study began. Endometrial cancer is uncommon, affecting roughly 18 women in 10,000. It is unlikely that it would make sense to take such drugs only to prevent that type of cancer, since they do have side effects.

Nevertheless, it is good news to learn that drugs that are taken so widely have an unexpected protective effect against endometrial cancer.

[Cancer, online Dec. 22, 2014]

To learn more about alendronate and its side effects, see our article.

 

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4.6- 9 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.