Bisphosphonates

Drugs

• Alendronate, Etidronate, Pamidronate, Risedronate, Tiludronate, Zoledronic Acid

What is it?

• Bisphosphonates- Inhibit Bone Resorption; Decreased Calcium
• Used For- Paget’s Disease, Osteoporosis, Postmenopause, Hypercalcemia

Side Effects

• Twitching, Muscle Spasms, Severe Diarrhea, Dark-Colored Urine, GI Distress, Epigastric Pain, Bone Pain Dizziness, Headache, Chest Pain, Hypertension, Stomach Pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Metallic Taste, Loss of Appetite, Coughing, Infections, Urinary Tract Infections, Fever, Progression of Cancer

What can I do?

• See your Health Care Provider- Monitor Calcium Levels; Adequate Vitamin D and Calcium Intake, Periodic Blood Tests
• See your Pharmacist- for help
• AVOID- Allergic to Bisphosphonates, Pregnancy, Lactation, Severe Renal Impairment, Hypocalcemia, Kidney Failure, Upper GI Disease
• See a Food Fitness First Registered Dietitian- on line for help; Increase Fluids; Take 2 Hours before Meals with a Full Glass of Water; Stay Upright 30 Minutes after Taking the Drug/Medication