Anti-Epilepsy Drugs and Osteoporosis – It’s Not Just a Women’s Disease

A research team consisting of epilepsy specialists and epidemiologists (persons who study the causes and control of diseases) reports on a study that answered an important but simple question: Do anti-seizure drugs cause reductions in bone density?

Why ask this question? Most doctors and patients agree that controlling seizures is very important — possibly the most important consideration — but other issues, such as long-term side effects of a medication, may affect quality of life. If a drug reduces bone density, bones will become more fragile, and eventually this could result in fractures that may have a major effect on health and quality of life.

The main result of the study was whether men and women taking AEDs were more likely to have reduced bone density than those who were not taking this group of medications.  (Bone density is determined by a balance of bone reabsorption  and bone formation.)  In particular, Dilantin, was associated with significant bone loss.  And interestingly, Dilantin is the most prescribed AED by general physicians in the U.S. but less so among epilepsy doctors, because of its side-effects.

But Dilantin isn’t the only culprit.  Men and women who took other anti-seizure drugs regularly — mostly Phenobarbital, Mysoline, Tegretol, or Carbatrol are at risk. However, the rate of bone loss was almost two times greater per year for those who took Dilantin.

This severe bone density loss can lead to Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) Importantly, regular users of anti-seizure drugs have an estimated 29% increase in hip fractures over 5 years.

One of the reasons for the lower bone density is that these drugs interfere with the absorption or metabolism of Calcium and Vitamin D, both considered natural bone strengtheners. So any person taking anti-seizure drugs  –  whether male or female — should get at least 1,200 MG of Calcium per day and at least 1,200 IU of Vitamin D a day. This includes young children who are also highly vulnerable.

Also to be considered is 500 MG of Magnesium to help absorb the Calcium and Vitamin D.  Plus, Vitamin K plays a role by helping calcium bind to bone tissue and reduce incidence of fractures. However, it’s best to get your Vitamin K from leafy, green vegetables. If your diet is deficient, 2 MG is recommended as a starting dose. ( If you want to increase the amount, see your doctor first, because Vitamin K is not recommended for those on blood thinners or by pregnant or nursing mothers.)

Obviously, doctors should inform patients that Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia are possible side-effects of taking some AEDs. They should also consider what preventative measures can be taken.  But whether your doctor tells you or not, at age 50, everyone should get a baseline bone density (DEXA) scan.  If the results are normal, then follow-ups are recommended every three to five years.

At this point, the safety of prescription drug therapy for bone loss is in limbo.  The Food and Drug Administration is conducting a safety review of the following bone-building drugs: Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel (also known as known as bisphosphonates) to see if they increase the risk of fractures in the bone -- just below the hip-joint -- in patients who’ve been on these drugs for several years. (Fosamax has also been associated with a rare but severe bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the jaw.  Some dentists won’t even treat patients on Fosamax!)

But you can play it safe and get all the benefits without the risks.  Because there are healthy supplements available out there to provide the right combination of nutrients you need to promote healthy bones.  (One-stop shopping?)  The easiest one to find is “Bone Up” by Jarrow.  And personally, I’d rather go the vitamin route than play with the fire of prescription drugs.  After all, we take enough meds as it is…

Phylis Feiner Johnson   www.epilepsytalk.com