Blockbuster Bone Drug Induces Eye Problems To First-time Users

Osteoporosis is an age-related bone disease characterized by a decreased bone density

and deterioration of the normal skeletal structure, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures,orthopedic experts say. This medical condition is more common in women than men because, when women reached menopausal period, their bodies produce lesser level of estrogen, a hormone beneficial in bone protection. However, the dawn for bone drugs, such as Fosamax, gave hope to elders and post-menopausal women. Fosamax, a brand name of alendronate, belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonate, which are widely prescribed to either slow down or prevent the effects of osteoporosis. This drug is manufactured by Merck & Co and was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration on 1995.

Despite its popularity, there are numerous reports that this pharmaceutical formulation may cause adverse effects on its user, including strange events femur fractures in women, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atrial fibrillation and esophageal cancer. However, little is known that first-time users of the Fosamax may have a potential in developing eye problems. Women, in particular, who have been receiving the said drug, may have greater risk of serious inflammatory diseases, researchers say. Researchers found women taking bisphosphonates for the first time had a 45 per cent increased risk of the eye disorders, such as uveitis and scleritis.

The risk of inflammatory eye problems, like uveitis and scleritis, is not emphasized on most package inserts included with oral bisphosphonates. The study focuses on the need for healthcare providers to inform their patients about the signs and symptoms of uveitis and scleritis, so that they may be able to seek proper treatment, as soon as they experience the side-effects.

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is made up of the iris, ciliary body and choroid. The most common form of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which involves inflammation in the front part of the eye. It is often called iritis because it usually only affects the iris, the colored part of the eye. The inflammation may be associated with autoimmune diseases, but most cases occur in healthy people. The disorder may affect only one eye. It is most common in young and middle-aged people.

Scleritis is the inflammation of the sclera, the white portion of the eyes. Scleritis is an uncommon disease and is differentiated from episcleritis, which is a more common ocular condition. In episcleritis, only the superficial tissue between the white of the eye (sclera) and the blood vessel-filled covering (conjunctiva) is inflamed. Scleritis can also be the result of an infectious process caused by bacteria including pseudomonas, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Trauma, chemical exposure, or postsurgical inflammation can also cause scleritis.

by: Mary David

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