News Report Studies Hormone Treatments Following Menopause Diagnosis
A recent study published in an edition of the New England Journal of Medicine looked
at the pros and cons of several hormone replacement therapy treatments. The study determined that while drugs do "offer relief for women who get symptoms of the menopause," some types of drugs can "carry a small risk of some serious problems, such as breast cancer or a stroke."Additionally, according to news reports on the study from the BMJ Group the study was "stopped early" when risks with several of the drugs became prevalent. Other news reports note that many of the HRT drugs have not been studied to a full extent, including the combination of HRT and Fosamax, which is an osteoporosis drug often coupled with HRT to benefit a patient and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
What are Hormone Treatments?
Hormone replacement therapy treatments occur when women undergoing menopause have "ovaries that decrease production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone." There are both benefits and risks associated with hormone replacement therapies. Several long-term benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic are as follow:
- prevention and decreased risk of developing osteoporosis
- a decreased risk of colorectal cancer
- decreasing the onset of heart disease among many patients
Additional health risks that exist include the following:
- an increased risk of heart disease among some patients
- more instances of breast cancer among patients
- an increased risk of stroke
- the potential onset of blood clots among women patients
Prescription Drug Dangers
Because there are several prescription drug dangers that exist with consumption of hormone replacement therapy treatments, it is necessary for a pre- and post-menopausal patient to know the dangers surrounding HRT drugs as well as companion drugs such as Fosamax.
Fosamax, which is used to treat osteoporosis among patients, is commonly prescribed to women following a menopausal diagnosis. Fosamax, also known as sodium alendronate, is manufactured by Merck and Co., and was released in 2001. Recently, the drug was linked to the onset of dead jaw or osteonecrosis (ONJ) among patients, which is considered a painful deterioration of the bone and bone mass within the body.
Patients who have suffered from the Fosamax risk should seek medical attention immediately as well as consult with a pharmaceutical attorney who can provide a free legal consultation to patients suffering from the drug's side effects. It may be necessary for a patient to develop a Fosamax class action lawsuit in which monetary compensation could be derived for the damages endured by a Fosamax patient. To learn more about developing a Fosamax pharmaceutical case, individuals can contact an experienced Fosamax attorney.
by: Katie Kelley