Alendronate is an anti-osteoporosis agent called a bisphosphonate that stops bone breakdown. It is one of the first approved orally taken drugs to treat osteoporosis. Alendronate and other bisphosphonates have characteristic side effects and specific food and timing requirements. Because of the requirements for taking this drug and others in its class, the alendronate daily tablet has mainly been replaced by weekly or even monthly bisphosphonates.
Gastric Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with oral alendronate are related to stomach irritation. Alendronate and all other bisphosphonates irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus, even causing acidic ulcers, bleeding and tears. Basic gastric side effects ranging from upset stomach and diarrhea occurred in greater than 5 percent of patients in premarketing studies as well.
Hypocalcemia
Use of alendronate may cause low calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, but these changes are not usually significant unless the person had low calcium before starting alendronate therapy. In addition, overdose with alendronate may cause severe drops in calcium and phosphate levels.
Pain
Musculoskeletal pain and headache have been reported in less than 5 percent of patients taking alendronate. However, these two effects are the second and third most common next to gastric problems. Although they are reported in men and women, these side effects seem to occur most frequently in postmenopausal women.
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