osteoporosis

Question 1

osteoporosis is Characterized by what?

Answer 1

Characterized by a reduction in bone density and structure, this disease increases the risk for fracture

Question 2

what gender is osteoporosis commonly seen in? it affects this gender how much more than the other?

Answer 2

Commonly seen in post-menopausal women vs age-related senile causes; both affect females 2x more than males

Question 3

iatrogenic causes of osteoporosis

Answer 3

Iatrogenic causes include steroids, some anti-epileptic agents, anticoagulents, PPI’s, thiazolidinediones and lithium

Question 4

what type of therapy is useful with pts with prior fractures?

Answer 4

bisphosphonate

Question 5

what drug is indicated for osteoporosis?

Answer 5

alendronate

Question 6

INDICATION
 Osteoporosis
 *Paget’s Bone Dz
DOSING [5-70mg]
 35-70 mg qwk
 *40 mg qd x 6 mo

Answer 6

alendronate

Question 7

moa of alendronate

Answer 7

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Nitrogenous Bisphosphonate
Mechanism of Action
Having a strong affinity for Ca2+, these drugs accumulate in bone where, upon ingestion by osteoclasts, they inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase pathway and leads to cell death, reducing bone resorption and turnover (bisphosphonate)

Question 8

adverse effects of alendronate

Answer 8

ADVERSE EFFECTS
Common: Photosensitivity
SERIOUS ADVERSE EFFECTS
Hypersensitivity: Angioedema
Ocular: Uveitis, scleritis

Question 9

drug interactions of alendronate

Answer 9

NSAID (additive GI irritation)