Aalendronate sodium tablets to treat osteoporosis

Aalendronate sodium tablets to treat osteoporosis.  Take alendronate sodium tablets to resist osteoporosis, these 5 questions must be clarified. 

With the improvement of medical standards, the problem of aging population is increasing. Osteoporosis is called a problem that plagues many middle-aged and elderly friends. Bisphosphonates are currently the most widely used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice. Both the elderly [1] and menopausal women [2] recommend that people without contraindications take bisphosphonates to reduce the risk of fractures. Among them, alendronate is a representative drug of bisphosphonates. Alendronate is the first choice for many patients with osteoporosis, but the following five questions must be clarified when taking it.

1. What are the uses of Alendronate? Who is not suitable for this medicine?

Bisphosphonates have a high affinity with skeletal hydroxyapatite and can specifically bind to the active bone surface of bone reconstruction, inhibit osteoclast function, thereby inhibit bone resorption, increase bone density, and effectively reduce the risk of fracture. It is clinically used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women to prevent hip and spine fractures; to treat osteoporosis in men to increase bone mass [3].

Note: 1) Patients with esophageal abnormalities, stenosis, or diffuse esophageal spasm that can cause delayed esophageal emptying are contraindicated with this drug. 2) Those who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes are disabled. 3) Patients with hypocalcemia. 4) For patients whose creatinine clearance rate is lower than 35mL/min, this product is not recommended.

2. What are the side effects of Alendronate? How to prevent or deal with it?

The most common side effect of alendronate is irritation to the mucosa of the digestive tract, such as esophagitis, erosions and ulcers. Therefore, if you have symptoms such as dysphagia, pain behind the breastbone, or new or worsening heartburn, you should stop the medication and seek medical attention. While taking the medicine, swallow the medicine with a full glass of water and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes and before the first meal of the day.

Alendronate may also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, so before using the drug, you should go to the dentist to check for caries, patients with other oral diseases and dental surgery should be cautious about alendronate use. Allergies, musculoskeletal pain, and osteonecrosis of the jaw should be stopped immediately after taking the medicine.

3. How should alendronate sodium be taken?

Alendronate is generally given once a week with a 70 mg tablet or once a day with a tablet 10 mg. It must be taken with a glass full of plain water at least half an hour before the first meal, drink or application of other medications every day to prevent other foods or drinks from affecting its absorption. In addition, patients should avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine and before the first meal of the day to avoid increased gastrointestinal side effects.

If you accidentally miss a dose, you should take one tablet in the morning after remembering it. You cannot take two tablets on the same day. After that, you will still take one tablet per week or 10 mg daily on the originally selected date.

4. What is the difference between the original alendronate sodium and generic drugs?

The original research drug of Alendronate was developed and produced by Merck. After the patent protection period, several pharmaceutical companies have imitated and produced similar drugs. If the main active ingredient of such drugs is alendronate sodium, the corresponding indications are also the same, and the effect will not be very different, especially for drugs produced by regular manufacturers after the consistency evaluation.

However, the prices of domestic and imported products may be different due to different manufacturers, differences in production processes, and transportation costs. So choose the right medicine according to your illness and economic situation.

5. Can alendronate and calcitriol be taken together?

Alendronate can inhibit bone resorption by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, thereby increasing bone density. Therefore, there may be a slight decrease in blood calcium and phosphate; and calcitriol can promote the intestinal tract Absorb calcium, improve the activity of osteoblasts, and play an anti-osteoporosis effect. Alendronate and calcitriol can be taken at the same time to treat osteoporosis synergistically.

Sum up

In short, alendronate is a commonly used drug for the treatment of osteoporosis, and there are many problems to pay attention to when taking it. You should be familiar with the above 5 points before taking the drug. For patients and friends who are not suitable for taking this drug, you can learn about the similar drug zoledronic acid injection, which can be injected once a year. The author’s previous article has an introduction, and you can read it.

(source:internet, reference only)

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