Are bisphosphonates safe for premenopausal women?

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Are bisphosphonates safe for premenopausal women?

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Adi Cohen, MD, MHS

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National Osteoporosis Foundation

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The potential benefits and risks of bisphosphonate use may be quite different in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women. Alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in certain premenopausal women taking steroid medicines such as prednisone and cortisone. However, because of toxic effects in pregnant animals, these medicines carry a Category C rating for safety in pregnancy from the FDA. Since bisphosphonates may remain in the skeleton for years, it should be kept in mind that there is also the potential for adverse effects after stopping bisphosphonates. Because of these risks, bisphosphonates should be used with great caution, and as a last resort, in women who may have future pregnancies.

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