Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
US drug agency panel narrowly votes against benefits of bone strengthening drug
WASHINGTON – A panel of U.S. government health experts says a long-established bone strengthening drug should no longer be used by women because there is little evidence it works and it may actually increase the risk of cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 12-9 that the risks of the inhalable osteoporosis drug outweigh its benefits for postmenopausal women with brittle bones.
The drug, known chemically as calcitonin salmon, has been prescribed for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women since the 1980s. Currently the drug is sold in nasal spray form by Novartis and Upsher-Smith.
But the health authorities around the world have been reviewing the drug’s safety after two recent studies showed a slightly higher rate of cancer among patients taking calcitonin pills.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
