Posts Tagged ‘fracture’

After the popular American hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy depicted this condition in its last episode, I’ve received numerous questions as to whether this can, in fact, occur – and the answer is yes, albeit extremely rarely. Because the penis does not actually contain bones it can’t be “fractured” like bones. Rather, the very strong fibrous tissue that envelopes the corpus cavernosum, the part of the penis that engorges with blood during an erection, can rupture due to blunt trauma. This usually causes a great deal of pain, swelling, bruising and loss of erection. Treatment usually requires surgery to repair the tear.

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New findings from Wake Forest University warn against the potential risk of increased fractures in women who take the diabetic drugs Actos (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) and Avandia (Glaxo Smith Kline), which help to lower blood sugar. Research results showed that the use of these two medications significantly increased the risk of fractures among women (men were not affected) with type 2 diabetes, and was associated with decreased bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and the hip.  In fact, the risk of hip fractures in women nearly doubled.  As of 2006, there were nearly 2 million women in the US taking these drugs.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new dose of the drug Actonel for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis – the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time, which increases the risk of fractures. The new 150 milligram dose of the drug is the only oral once-a-month therapy approved for the prevention of spinal and non-spinal fractures. In 2002, it was estimated that over 10 million people in the US already have osteoporosis. Approximately 80% of these are women. Full story.

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Protonix, Prilosec and Nexium are just a few of the common drugs used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD or acid reflux). The use of these drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), has been shown to increase the risk of hip fractures when used for over 7 years, according to a new Canadian study. It is not uncommon to find patients who are taking these drugs for extended periods of time. As with any medication it is recommended that you and your physician weigh the risks and benefits prior to starting long term treatment with a PPI. Full story.

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