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Matrix metalloproteinase 2 may be a candidate gene for bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, since it is the only gene known to be associated with bone abnormalities and atrial fibrillation, both of which are side effects of bisphosphonates. [23]
Alendronic acid, sold under the brand name Fosamax among others, is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. [4] It is taken by mouth. [ 4 ] Use is often recommended together with vitamin D , calcium supplementation , and lifestyle changes.
Bisphosphonates are either administered orally or intravenously. They reduce bone resorption. [31] Mechanism of action: Bisphosphonate binds to the mineral component of the bone and inhibits enzymes (i.e. farnesyl-pyrophosphate synthase) responsible for bone formation, osteoclast recruitment and osteoclast function. [29] [31]
Bisphosphonates are used to treat osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (Paget's disease of the bone), bone metastasis (with or without hypercalcemia), multiple myeloma, and other conditions involving fragile, breakable bone. In osteoporosis and Paget's, the most popular first-line bisphosphonate drugs are alendronate and risedronate.
Alendronate decreases fractures of the spine but does not have any effect on other types of fractures. [5] Half stop their medications within a year. [174] When on treatment with bisphosphonates rechecking bone mineral density is not needed. [171] There is tentative evidence of benefit in males with osteoporosis. [175]
Common side effects include fever, joint pain, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and feeling tired. [3] Serious side effects may include kidney problems, low blood calcium, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. [3] Use during pregnancy may result in harm to the baby. [3] It is in the bisphosphonate family of medications. [3]
Less-common side effects can include excess air or gas in your stomach, burping, heartburn, indigestion, fast heartbeat, low blood sugar, low energy and fatigue, or even gallstones, Dr. Comite says.
Alendronic acid/colecalciferol, sold under the brand name Fosamax Plus D among others, is a medication for the treatment of osteoporosis in men or in postmenopausal women. [ 3 ] [ 2 ] [ 4 ] [ 6 ] Alendronic acid/colecalciferol was approved for use in the United States and in the European Union in 2005.