Bisphosphonates make up a class of drugs that prevent bone loss, and include intravenous and oral medications. Physicians most commonly prescribe them to treat osteoporosis and similar diseases. Bisphosphonates act by preventing cells called osteoclasts from breaking down bone. According to the journal "Calcified Tissue International," high-dose bisphosphonates can be especially powerful in protecting bone from osteoclast breakdown. In addition, high-dose bisphosphonates can be powerful treatments for other conditions such as Paget's disease and multiple myeloma.
Osteonecrosis
One of the more dangerous side effects of high-dose bisphosphonates is osteonecrosis, especially of the jaw. Osteonecrosis is a term that describes destruction of bone, or bone death. According to MayoClinic.com, several people have presented with osteonecrosis linked to high-dose bisphosphonates. Symptoms of jaw osteonecrosis include pain, swelling, infection and exposed jaw bone.
Abdominal Discomfort
High-dose bisphosphonates can cause abdominal discomfort as one of their side effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people should take bisphosphonates on an empty stomach and only at prescribed doses to avoid potentially severe gastrointestinal problems. Possible abdominal side effects of high-dose bisphosphonates include heartburn, esophageal irritation and abdominal pain.
Hypocalcemia
Bisphosphonates can cause hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients taking bisphosphonates should also have an adequate dietary calcium intake consisting of 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily, unless they have a history of kidney stones. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include tingling sensations of the lips, hands and feet as well as spasm of the hand and wrist muscles.
References
- "Calcified Tissue International"; Michael Ding; June 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Fosamax and Bisphosphonates
- Cleveland Clinic: Bisphosphonates
Member Comments