Colonoscopy Prep Drugs May Cause Kidney Damage in some Pts!

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STERN WARNING FOR COLONOSCOPY DRUGS

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/36012399.html?

elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

" Federal health officials will add the sternest safety warnings

available to drugs used before colonoscopies, following reports of

kidney damage.

The FDA said it has received more than 20 reports of a serious form

of kidney failure among patients taking the bowel-cleansing drugs,

known as oral phosphate products.

The new warning label will apply to Visicol and OsmoPrep -- both

prescription tablets made by Salix Pharmaceuticals. The label says

the drugs should be used with caution in patients older than 55,

those who suffer from dehydration and kidney disease, and those who

take medications that affect the kidneys.

GOOD FOR BONES ...AND BREAST CANCER

There is fresh hope that a drug that strengthens bones might also

fight breast cancer.

Women who were given the drug, Zometa, as part of their initial

treatment had greater tumor shrinkage and were less likely to need

radical surgery, according to a preliminary study reported at a San

conference.

In June, doctors were stunned when a big study found that Zometa --

given to prevent bone loss caused by certain cancer treatments --

also greatly cut the risk that cancer would recur in women who

developed the disease before menopause.

Cancer specialists are eagerly awaiting the results of a second study

testing Zometa in 3,360 women who had breast cancer after menopause,

which is much more common. "