Code Red: Osteoporisis drug linked with kidney damage… and 16 deaths (so far)

How many more people have to die before the FDA pulls the plug on this deadly drug?

Another dire warning has been added to the label of one very popular intravenous osteoporosis drug, this one about the risk of potentially fatal kidney failure.

Back in January 2009, the FDA acknowledged 5 deaths due to kidney failure, connected with this drug (generically called zoledronic acid, but sold under a brand name). They did nothing but “monitor” the situation.

By April 2011, 11 more deaths were reported. And that doesn’t include the cases of kidney failure — requiring dialysis — where the patients didn’t die. But still the FDA takes no real action.

Worse, these deaths come on the heels of other serious problems linked to the drug (and this comes directly from the prescribing information):

• Severe incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain
• Atypical femur fractures (unusually broken thigh bones)
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (death of the jaw bone)

And this drug is supposed to help protect your bones!!

Don’t wait for the FDA or the drug company to do something more than add another warning to the drug label. Keep your bones strong and healthy without risking your kidneys, your bones… or your life.