Does Fosamax Cause Atrial Fibrillation?
06/18/2007 |
Question:
I recently read in the newspaper that research studies suggest that women who have atrial fibrillation should not take Fosamax. I have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation since I started taking Fosamax. I have been on Fosamax for about three years. I take 70mg weekly. My heart was shocked back into rythmn but went back to fibrillation in a couple of months. Might the Fosamax have caused my heart to return to atrial fibrillation? Should I stop taking Fosamax?
Answer:
Merck reports the following atrial fibrillation rates with Fosamax in their large research studies:
Fosamax 2.5% and Placebo 2.2% (not a statistically significant difference, p value = 0.42)
Serious atrial fibrillation:
Fosamax 1.5% and Placebo 1.0% (not quite statistically significant, p value = 0.07)
I would recommend discussing this issue with your cardiologist.
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