bisphosphonates + other drugs Flashcards
what is licensed for men for osteoporosis
alendronic acid 10mg tablets, OD
risedronate sodium 35mg tablets, once weekly
MHRA safety info - what is there
- atypical femoral fractures
- osteonecrosis of jaw
- osteonecrosis of external auditory canal
signs of atypical femoral features that pt should report
any thigh, hip, or groin pain during treatment with a bisphosphonate.
pt should carry out the following measures to prevent osteonecrosis of jaw during treatment
patients should maintain good oral hygiene, receive routine dental check-ups, and report any oral symptoms e.g. dental mobility, pain, swelling, non-healing sores or discharge
signs to report which may indicate osteonecrosis of external auditory canal
report any ear pain, discharge from ear or an ear infection during treatment with a bisphosphonate.
signs of oesophageal reactions pt should report and what action to take
stop taking drug and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of oesophageal irritation such as dysphagia, new or worsening heartburn, pain on swallowing or retrosternal pain.
who is more likely to have atypical femoral feature
mainly in patients receiving long-term treatment for osteoporosis
bisphosphonate treatment should be reviewed after 5 years, except for this drug which should be reviewed after 3 years
zolendronic acid
who is more likely to have osteonecrosis of the jaw
risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw is substantially greater for patients receiving intravenous bisphosphonates in the treatment of cancer than for patients receiving oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or Paget’s disease
risk factors for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw
potency of bisphosphonate (highest for zoledronate), route of administration, cumulative dose, duration and type of malignant disease, concomitant treatment, smoking, comorbid conditions, and history of dental disease.
which bisphosphonate holds the highest risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw
zolendronate
what to do before prescribing an IV bisphosphonate
- patients should be given a patient reminder card and informed of the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
- Advise patients to tell their doctor if they have any problems with their mouth or teeth before starting treatment, and if the patient wears dentures, they should make sure their dentures fit properly.
- Patients should tell their doctor and dentist that they are receiving an intravenous bisphosphonate if they need dental treatment or dental surgery
what to do for all pt with cancer and pt its poor dental status before bisphosphonate treatment (in regards to risk of osteonecrosis of jaw)
dental check up and any necessary remedial work should be performed before treatment, or ASAP after starting
who is at risk of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal
has been reported very rarely with bisphosphonate treatment, mainly in patients receiving long-term therapy (2 years or longer)
consider the possibility of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal in pt receiving bisphosphonates who present with…
ear symptoms, including chronic ear infections, or suspected cholesteatoma.
risk factors for developing osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal
steroid use, chemotherapy, infection, an ear operation, or cotton-bud use.
alendronic acid contraindication
Abnormalities of oesophagus; hypocalcaemia; other factors which delay emptying (e.g. stricture or achalasia)
cautions for all bisphosphonates
oral: elderly in pt with a current or recent history of upper gastrointestinal disease or bleeding (risk of relapse/exacerbation of oesophagitis, oesophageal ulcer or oesophageal stricture).
common SE for all bisphosphonates includes
- alopecia
- anaemia
- decreased appetite
- arthralgia
- constipation, diarrhoea
- dizziness
- dysphagia
- eye inflammation
- fever
- GI discomfort
- headache
which side effects warrant discontinuation of treatment
oesophageal ulcer (discontinue); oesophagitis (discontinue)oesophageal stenosis (discontinue)
avoid alendronic acid if creatine clearance
less than 35
monitoring requirements of alendronic acid
- Correct disturbances of calcium and mineral metabolism (e.g. vitamin-D deficiency, hypocalcaemia) before starting treatment.
- Monitor serum-calcium concentration during treatment. (they reduce C levels by inhibiting bone resorption)