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Warfarin Linked to Osteoporosis


-January 30, 2006

According to researchers, the long-term use of Warfarin may increase a patient's risk of suffering bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Warfarin is a blood-thinning drug commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine published these findings in the Archives of Internal Medicine .

Warfarin blocks vitamin K in order to prevent blood coagulation. Vitamin K is also used to activate certain proteins necessary for bone formation. Due to this drug side effect, people using warfarin for over a year may be at an increased risk for fractures, say researchers.

The investigators examined the medical records to over 12,000 Medicare recipients, 4,461 of which had taken warfarin for at least one year. According to the findings, this latter group was 25 percent more likely to experience a bone fracture, compared to the subjects not taking warfarin. This finding only appeared significant in the male population.

The report indicates that older age, high risk of falls, neurological and psychiatric disorders, overactive thyroid, and alcoholism increases the risk of suffering fractures.

The researchers advise doctors and patients to assess the need for warfarin in patients with a greater risk for fractures. Elderly patients with a high risk of falling should be advised to exercise regularly, wear stable shoes, get enough vitamin D and calcium, use walking aids, and stop taking unnecessary prescription drugs.

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