Bisphosphonates

Question 1

How it works

Answer 1

Prevents the bone from being broken down and by helping to rebuild new bone - less likely to have a fracture

Remember lifestyle factors can also help with this, such as exercise, no smoking and eating a well balanced diet.

Question 2

Timeline

Answer 2

Once weekly or smaller dose daily

Question 3

How to take

Answer 3

Swallow tablet with full glass of water on an empty stomach (only a small amount will be absorbed if taken with food)

Take at least 30 minutes before food or anything other than water.

Be upright for 30 minutes after taking as can irritate the upper part of your gullet.

Question 4

Length of treatment

Answer 4

Long term - most doctors recommend at least 5 years. Doctor will advise length of treatment after review.

Evidence suggests biphosphonates keep working on the bone for a few years after the medicine has been stopped.

Question 5

Effects-time before

Answer 5

Several months (however as patients are usually asymptomatic they will not notice this)

Question 6

Tests

Answer 6

Dental check ups before starting and then regularly (risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw)

Question 7

Important side effects

Answer 7

Headache
Heartburn, bloating, indigestion
GI (diarrhoea, constipation, black stools, abdo pain)

Question 8

Complications and contraindications

Answer 8

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (bone starts to weaken and die) - REGULAR DENTAL CHECK UPS

Pregnancy, dysphagia, stomach ulcers, severe renal impairment

Question 9

Extra information

Answer 9

Calcium and vitamin D is prescribed in most cases as you need these to make bone.

If enough calcium through diet, may not need calcium supplements