Recently conducted studies reveal that use of certain drugs to treat osteoporosis can increase the risk of hip fractures, if there are being taken for a longer time span of 5 years. The findings suggests that long term use of bisphosphonates (Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax) inhibits the rejuvenation of hip bones and make them brittle.

Thus, it is suggested that such medication should be prescribed only for a short specific time period.

Melvin Rosenwasser the chief of orthopedic trauma surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, feels that it is a paradoxical situation as these drugs are actually suppose to strengthen the bones and protect patients from fractures for a while. But continuous use of them for a long period may have a harmful effect on some people.

Elaine Bobo, the spokesperson of the Food and Drug Administration is evaluating the issue of the long-term use of such drugs.

The problem is that Osteoporosis is a critical health issue in the US among the aging population. As per the estimates, 10 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis and 34 million Americans suffer from a problem of low bone mass which puts them at a higher risk for spine and hip fractures. Moreover, women folk are more prone to the disease than their male counterparts.