Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer can cause many side effects, one being bone loss. The goal of the hormonal therapy is to reduce the levels of the male hormones, called androgens, in the body. The main androgen is testosterone. Androgens can stimulate prostate cells to grow and lowering the levels often makes prostate cancer cells shrink or grow more slowly.

The Annals of Internal Medicine published an article that says Fosamax (alendronate) can prevent and even reverse bone loss associated with hormonal treatment for prostate cancer.

A trial was conducted that showed after one year bone density had increased among patients treated with Fosamax but had decreased among patients who received a placebo.

If you are receiving hormonal treatment for prostate cancer ask your doctor about a bisphosphonate, like Fosamax to control bone loss.

Out of New Zealand comes reporting that four New Zealanders have suffered rotting jawbones after taking a bisphosphates medication prescribed to help prevent bone loss for patients suffering from osteoporosis and bone cancers. At least 15 Americans are suing Merck after developing breakdown of bone in the jaw due to taking Fosamax prescribed to strengthen bone and prevent bone loss.

According to the report, while the New Zealand patients were not taking the brand name drug, Fosamax, they were taking a similar version of the same drug. In total, about 2500 cases of rotting jaws have been reported. Merck is the same company who was forced to take Vioxx, an arthritis drug, off the market after a study showed it doubled the risk of heart attacks or strokes if patients took it for longer than 18 months. Perhaps we need to take a closer look into the medicine cabinet -- and start asking more questions -- before we rush to get a glass of water and down the newest approved pill. A new cancer drug is about to hit the market. Let's take a look.