From Reuters Health Information
September 9, 2011 — ADELPHI, Md. (Reuters) – U.S. health advisers are considering a time limit for taking a class of drugs used by millions of women to prevent bone fractures, due to concerns over unusual fractures linked to the medicines and possible higher cancer rates.
Two U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panels were jointly meeting on Friday over whether to recommend a “drug holiday” or otherwise clarify how long people should take a class of osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates.
These drugs include Merck & Co‘s Fosamax, Warner Chilcott‘s Actonel, Roche’s Boniva, and Novartis‘ Reclast.
