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Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
The main side effects of bisphosphonate pills are stomach upset and heartburn. Don't lie down or bend over for 30 to 60 minutes to avoid the medicine washing back up into the esophagus. Most people who follow these tips don't have these side effects.
Bisphosphonates are available in various forms called Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva), and the intravenous form Zoledronic acid (Reclast). They integrate directly into the bone tissue during the bone breakdown cycle, effectively stopping further deterioration.
Side effects include nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn-like symptoms. These are less likely to occur if the medicine is taken properly. Intravenous forms of bisphosphonates don't cause stomach upset but can cause fever, headache and muscle aches.
ANSWER: Oral bisphosphonate drugs — including alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia) and ibandronate (Boniva) — are the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis drugs. Bisphosphonates are less expensive than the alternatives, are safe in the long term, and are effective in preventing fractures.
Some side effects of alendronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication? Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Low calcium level—muscle pain or cramps, confusion, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
The relationship between oral bisphosphonates and GI symptoms has been examined in multiple studies, which have consistently shown that the incidence of nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and gastritis is not significantly different between alendronate, 6 risedronate, 7 or ibandronate 8 and placebo.
In a 2-year clinical trial, no serious drug-related upper GI tract adverse events occurred with once-weekly alendronate use. 20,29 A recent study 10 found that most patients prefer using once-weekly alendronate, 70 mg, to alendronate, 10 mg/d.
What are the serious side effects of alendronate? While less common, the most serious side effects of alendronate are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe...