Heart Rhythm Problems with Osteoporosis Drugs

One popular class of drugs to prevent or treat osteoporosis is called bisphosphonates. These are medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and Reclast. They work by slowing down natural bone destruction by cells called osteoclasts. Such drugs are also prescribed to patients with cancer who have metastases to bone. Bisphosphanates like Aredia and Zometa are injected intravenously for such patients. But a new study suggests that injected bisphosphonates can increase the risk for an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Earlier studies suggested oral bisphosphonates like Fosamax might also cause atrial fib in patients being treated for osteoporosis, although this effect remains controversial.

[Journal of Clinical Oncology, published online October 12, 2010]