Ask the doctor: Does Fosamax cause atrial fibrillation?
Ask the doctor
New England Journal of MedicineReclast (zoledronic acid) is a new bone-strengthening medication that is given just once a year through a 15-minute infusion. In a trial of the drug, serious episodes of atrial fibrillation happened more often among women who received Reclast than among those getting a placebo. These episodes weren't common, affecting just 1.3% of women taking Reclast and 0.5% of women taking the placebo. Total episodes of the disorder (mild and severe) were about the same in both groups. (As I write this, Reclast has not been approved for treating osteoporosis.) A look back at data from a large trial of Fosamax that was completed in 1997 showed a similar pattern. Put another way, this information shows that nearly 99% of women in the trials didn't develop severe atrial fibrillation from Fosamax.
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