New injectable medicine (Boniva) is alternative for quarterly treatment of osteoporosis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Boniva(R) (ibandronate sodium) Injection, the first intravenous (IV) medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced today. Boniva Injection, the first quarterly medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, is a member of the bisphosphonate class, which is the most frequently prescribed medicine for osteoporosis.(1) It is administered by a healthcare professional once every three months. more  

Prescribing information: Boniva (oral tablets)

BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA may reverse bone loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone mass in most women who take it, even though they won't be able to see or feel a difference. BONIVA may help lower the chances of breaking bones (fractures). Boniva comes in two forms, once monthly oral tablets, or newly approved quarterly injections. Ask your doctor for more information. more

Cup o' calcium: That morning Joe may be better than you think

The good news keeps pouring in for latte lovers. After years of being told to limit coffee intake, it turns out our beloved morning brew may have a silver lining after all, especially when served with milk. New research finds, that coffee is rich in antioxidants, and, if drunk with milk, can also provide an important dietary source of bone building calcium. And, with coffee bars a fixture on every street corner, many java lovers have unknowingly made lattes their primary source of daily calcium -- a secret source in an otherwise deficient diet. more  

RSV: Winter-borne virus

Although respiratory syncytial virus (commonly known as RSV) affects almost all children at least once before they are two years old, many parents may not be familiar with this infection which is most common during the winter season. more

Apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can accurately predict the long-term risk of progressive loss of kidney function 

In patients with mild to moderate kidney disease, measuring levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can accurately predict the long-term risk of progressive loss of kidney function, reports a study in the February Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. more

Viral infections during the perinatal period associated with cerebral palsy  

Exposure to certain viral infections shortly before and after birth (the perinatal period) is associated with cerebral palsy, finds a study published online by the BMJ today. more

Cesium-131 brachytherapy: Fewer side effects than other prostate cancer treatments

A new radiation therapy for prostate cancer -- Cesium-131 brachytherapy -- has fewer side effects than other treatments. New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center is the only hospital in the Northeast to offer the new therapy. more