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Review of Medications That Can Delay Bone Healing

Medications can be taken that help bone growth. Osteoporosis is a common condition treated with a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. These meds prevent bone resorption. But sometimes, drugs used to treat other conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, or mental disorders have a negative effect on bone.

In this article, doctors review the most commonly used drugs and their effects on bone. These include anti-inflammatories, anti-rheumatic drugs, psychotropic drugs, and seizure medication. Vitamin K, cholesterol-lowering statins, and antacids are included. Hormones and cancer treatment are also discussed.

Constant use of many of these drugs can slow or alter bone metabolism. This is a problem if there's a fracture. Delayed bone growth and fracture nonunion can occur. Nonunion means the break just doesn't heal like it should. In some cases, the drug can be stopped until the bone heals. But as in the case of seizures or mental illness, the drugs are needed and can't be discontinued.

There are several groups of medications that help improve bone density. Bisphosphonates already mentioned are drugs used most oten for this purpose. But statins used to lower cholesterol have been shown to increase bone mineral density around the hip. Vitamin K and estrogen hormones also protect the bone and prevent bone loss.

Some cancer patients are especially at increased risk of bone loss. For example, men with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer have increased bone loss. This is due to hormone inhibition used as part of the treatment. These patients are more likely to fracture a bone. And children treated for cancer can have long-term effects on bone growth years later.

The authors advise physicians to be aware of all drug effects on bones. Careful monitoring and management of most patients makes a difference. These drugs can be prescribed in such a way to minimize the bad effects while gaining the benefits. With careful planning and attention, the negative effects can even be prevented for some patients.

References: Stuart B. Goodman, MD, PhD, et al. The Effects of Medications on Bone. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaeic Surgeons. August 2007. Vol. 15. No. 8. Pp. 450-460.

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