The Trial Lawyer Summer 2022 | Page 34

were unable to work and had to quit their jobs .
A theme with the Askapatient commentators was a feeling of betrayal by their doctors who didn ’ t warn them about side effects and the difficulty of discontinuation . Several women felt doctors were actually getting “ kickbacks ” to prescribe Prolia , which isn ’ t too farfetched ; in 2013 , Amgen paid more than $ 15 million to resolve allegations that it illegally marketed its similar drug bone drug Xgeva .
Keeping Bones Strong With Age
Clearly , no one wants serious side effects from a medication but nor do people want osteoporosis , thinning bones , or the risk of fracture . According to the Mayo Clinic , adults aged 19 to 50 and men aged 51 to 70 should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day ; for women over 51 and men over 71 , that should be 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day . Vitamin D is also important , and the Mayo Clinic recommends 600 international units for adults ages 19 to 70 , which can be obtained from many foods and the sun . In addition to avoiding the bonedegrading habits of smoking and drinking excessive alcohol , the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of physical activity and especially weight-bearing exercises such as walking , jogging , and climbing stairs to keep bones strong .
Finally , and importantly , certain medications you might be taking could contribute to bone thinning or weakening . They include corticosteroids ( prednisone , cortisone , prednisolone , and dexamethasone ) when used long term , SSRI antidepressants , proton pump inhibitors ( used for Gastroesophageal reflux disease and acid reflux ), aromatase inhibitors used for breast cancer , and some anti-seizure medications . A lifestyle of adequate bone-building nutrients , exercise , and avoidance of threats to bone health can help keep your bones strong for as long as you need them .
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