Content about Osteoporosis

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched zoledronic acid injection in the 5 mg-per-100-mL strength, the Indian generic drug maker Thursday.

The drug, launched following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration, is a generic version of Novartis' Reclast and is used to treat osteoporosis. Reclast had sales of $355 million during the 12-month period that ended in February, according to IMS Health.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Monday issued a trio of controversial recommendations regarding supplementing with vitamin D and calcium. Specifically, the Task Force determined that the current evidence was insufficient to support vitamin D and calcium supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures in premenopausal women, in men or in postmenopausal women and recommended against daily supplementation of vitamin D or calcium toward that end. 

CHICAGO — A JAMA report released Monday afternoon that suggested a high intake of supplemental calcium is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death in men was criticized by several dietary supplement agencies for being inconclusive. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's most recent survey of U.S. adults, 17% indicated they take a calcium supplement.

SAN ANTONIO — Mission Pharmacal has launched what it called an alternative to pill therapy for osteoporosis.

The drug maker announced Thursday the availability of Binosto (alendronate sodium) effervescent tablets for buffered oral solution in pharmacies. The drug is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and increase bone mass in men with the condition.

MINNETONKA, Minn. — Some of the most commonly cited health problems affecting the elderly are hypertension, stroke and osteoporosis, but a new study highlights what researchers call an even bigger problem.

Americans ages 65 years and older said that hearing impairment affects their quality of life physically and mentally more than high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, sciatica and cancer, according to the study, released Thursday by AARP Services and UnitedHealthcare.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Thursday issued a response to a Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendation around the ineffectiveness of vitamin D and calcium to prevent cancer or fractures. The draft guidance also suggested vitamin D and calcium could equate to a greater risk of kidney stones in older women.

SAN ANTONIO — A U.S. drug maker has made a deal with a Swiss company to manufacture and sell a new osteoporosis treatment in North America.

Mission Pharmacal announced Tuesday a patent and technology licensing agreement with Freienbach, Switzerland-based EffRx Pharmaceuticals for Binosto (alendronate sodium) effervescent tablets in the United States and Canada. Financial terms were not disclosed.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of a drug for treating and preventing osteoporosis in women after menopause, the agency said Monday.

The FDA announced the approval of ibandronate tablets in the 150-mg strength made by Apotex, Orchid Healthcare and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Genentech makes the branded version of the drug.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Wednesday the launch of Project Health (Proyecto Salud in Spanish), a wellness program delivering more than $21 million worth of free health screenings to multicultural communities.

ORANGE, Calif. — Without magnesium, calcium supplements increase risk of heart attacks, according to a meta-analysis recently conducted by Carolyn Dean, medical director of the Nutritional Magnesium Association.

"If we consume too much calcium without sufficient magnesium, the excess calcium is not utilized correctly and may actually become toxic, causing painful conditions, such as some forms of arthritis, kidney stones, osteoporosis and calcification of the arteries leading to heart attack and cardiovascular disease," Dean said.

MIAMI — Soy isoflavone tablets do not appear to be associated with a reduction in bone loss or menopausal symptoms in women within the first five years of menopause, according to a report in the Aug. 8 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

WASHINGTON — More than 800 drugs are in development for diseases that affect women, according to a pharmaceutical industry lobbying group.