Examples
|
| alendronate | Fosamax |
| ibandronate | Boniva |
| risedronate | Actonel, Atelvia |
| zoledronic acid | Reclast |
You take most bisphosphonates by mouth—every day, once or
twice a week, or even once a month. Zoledronic acid is given intravenously (IV),
usually only once each year. One form of ibandronate is also given
intravenously, usually every 3 months.
How It Works
Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive
medicines, which means they slow or stop the natural process that dissolves
bone tissue, resulting in maintained or increased bone density and
strength. This may prevent the development of
osteoporosis. If osteoporosis already has developed, slowing the rate of bone
thinning reduces the risk of broken bones.
Bisphosphonates may be
taken by men or women.
Why It Is Used
Bisphosphonates are commonly used
for the prevention and treatment of
osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates are also used to treat other bone diseases such as
Paget's disease.
Bisphosphonates should
not be taken by:
- Pregnant women.
- People with severe
kidney problems.
- People with severe heartburn or inflammation of
the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach).
How Well It Works
Studies show that bisphosphonates
increase bone thickness and lower the risk of fractures.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you are taking bisphosphonates by mouth and you have:
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia).
- Muscle pain or cramps.
- Stomach pain.
Call your doctor if you are taking intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates and you have:
- Blood in the urine.
- Dizziness.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Muscle pain or cramps.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Heartburn and irritation of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus), if you are taking bisphosphonate pills. These side effects can usually be avoided by following instructions for taking your medicine.
- Headache; constipation, diarrhea, and passing gas; and muscle and joint pain, if you are taking intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate shots.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
For the best results
and to reduce the risk of irritation to your
esophagus if you take bisphosphonates by mouth:
- Most of these medicines should be taken in the morning with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating a meal, drinking a beverage, or taking any other medicine. If your doctor prescribes the form of risedronate called Atelvia, take it right after breakfast with a glass of water.
- Sit or stand (don't lie down) for at
least 30 minutes after taking a bisphosphonate. This helps prevent
heartburn.
- Do not take a bisphosphonate late in the day if you
forgot to take it in the morning.
Tell your doctor if you notice any new or increasing problems with swallowing. Problems could include feeling pain when you swallow or feeling like you have a lump or sore in your throat.
Tell your doctor if you notice pain in your thigh or groin. Some research suggests that taking bisphosphonates for a long time may slightly increase the risk of breaking the thigh bone.
Serious problems with bone healing, particularly after
dental surgery, have been found in some people taking bisphosphonates.2 If you are taking bisphosphonates and need dental surgery,
talk with your doctor.
If you are taking bisphosphonates, your doctor may also recommend that you take
calcium and vitamin D supplements. But
calcium supplements may interfere with your body's
ability to absorb bisphosphonates, so take your bisphosphonate and your calcium supplement at least half an hour apart.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis (2008).
Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 6(74):
67–74.
- Woo S-B, et al. (2006). Systematic review: Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144(10): 753–761.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
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| Last Revised | November 17, 2010 |
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