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Bisphosphonates
Cheryl, I believe the following to be correct:
There are many types of bisphosphonates:
1) pills: such as Fosamax (alendronate) and
Actonel (risedronate)
Boniva
These are comonly used in osteoporosis.
2) intravenous: such as Aredia (pamidronate) or
Zometa (Zoledronic acid)
These are comonly used in metastatic breast cancer.
Clodronate is also a bisphosphonate. I've read where, when it is used in early breast cancer, it may reduce the risk of developing bone mets.
But the other bisphosphonates I've listed have been beneficial in bone mets too, and also help reduce fractures and high levels of calcium in the blood.
It is not known for certainty yet if the oral bisphosphoates will reduce recurrance, but (I believe) studies are being done now to find this out. So, being as Clodronate is not available in the US, why not take one of the other oral bisphosphonates that are offered here? There is probably no difference.
Hope this is helpful.
Blessings, Barbara
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