Bisphosphonates- Level 3

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