Statin drugs help osteoporosis? - Osteoporosis Message Board

marciakeeney · 07-08-2003, 11:39 PM

Standing in the checkout line at the grocery store today, I saw the new Newsweek magazine's cover story was on the statin drugs for lowering high cholesterol -- that they are implicated in helping a number of other conditions including osteoporosis. I scanned the article and it said that the research indicated that statins may actually build bone, something the main osteoporosis drugs can't do (they stop the loss, I believe, rather than actually building new bone). Didn't get a chance to read the whole article while I was in line, but will have to look for it in the library and see if it says anymore than that. Interesting! Check it out! Has anyone heard any other info on this?

peregrine · 07-09-2003, 04:32 AM

Well, I can report to you what people are saying about Statin from the High Cholesterol section of this healthboard, and that is - Nay! These are all people who are presently taking it or have taken it in the past.

P

[This message has been edited by peregrine (edited 07-09-2003).]

merryk · 07-27-2003, 06:18 AM

A large study done by Women's Health Initiative in post-menopausal women found that statins do not help increase bone density or reduce fractures. In the case of fractures there was a slight increase in some areas.
The good news is that they are looking at statins in other forms to use in the fight against osteoporosis.

bjg · 07-27-2003, 04:08 PM

even if the cholesterol lowering drugs did prove helpful in decreasing bone loss i would be very leary to take them..i have several friends on those types of drugs and they all have to have liver function tests quarterly because lipitor zocor and the likes can cause serious liver damage

OppOnn · 07-28-2003, 01:55 PM

I can give you nothing specific in the way of research but I have heard Statin drugs can be bad for anyone taking them, long term. Maybe they help the heart, but there are side fx.

The less drugs we take, unless we really really really have to, the better, I think. There's always a pay-off
and the younger one is now, the more the side fx
possible. But, then, I run away from drugs, don't think they are always the answer, not if I can find
another alternative way to try first.
O