Bisphosphonates Cause Rare Eye Inflammation

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Another potential side effect from these medications is an unusual type of fracture of the thigh bone that many women didn't even know occurred, according to the researchers who first reported this side effect in the March 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Those most likely to suffer these types of fractures are those who have taken bisphosphonates for more than five years, the study reported.

A more common side effect of bisphosphonates is severe muscle, bone or joint pain that can occur days, months or even years after starting these medications, according to the FDA. Additionally, people sometimes have flu-like symptoms after starting bisphosphonates, according to Dr. Loren Wissner Greene, co-director of the osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease program at the New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. Often, she said, taking acetaminophen can alleviate the flu-like symptoms.

There were some reports that people taking bisphosphonates might have an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation. But Wissner Greene said that a recent U.S. National Institutes of Health study found no associations between bisphosphonate use and atrial fibrillation.

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She said another potential side effect of these medications is a severe rash.

But, Wissner Greene added: "What we don't want to get lost is that millions of people have taken these drugs with really good benefits. They've been lifesaving for a number of people, because they reduce the number of overall fractures."

More information

To read more about bisphosphonates, visit the Arthritis Foundation.

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