Long-term use of the bone-building drugs known as oral bisphosphonates places the consumers at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, a new study says.
Oral bisphosphonates such as Boniva (ibandronate), Fosamax (alendronate) or Actonel (risedronate), commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis, had long been linked with esophageal inflammation, stricture and even perforation related to acid reflux. Patients, therefore, were urged to avoid taking the drugs with food or while lying down.
According to the study published in British Medical Journal, esophageal cancer is 1.93 times more likely in individuals who have received at least 10 prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates.
The prolonged use of the drugs is not associated with a greater risk of stomach or colorectal cancers, the study found.
"Our study ... had the potential to include people with longer durations of bisphosphonate use and also had greater statistical power," said lead researcher Jane Green, stressing that the risk is small in absolute terms and patients therefore should not be worried about taking these drugs.
Scientists recommended patients who experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn after taking the medications to seek medical attention.
"Be sure to follow the directions for use and report to your doctor any difficulty swallowing or throat, chest, or digestive discomfort so that your doctor can evaluate the need for oral bisphosphonate discontinuation," stressed Diane K Wysowski, a co-author of the study.
