alendronate
| Uses | • osteoporosis prevention or treatment |
| Contraindications, drug interactions or cautions | Contraindications • hypersensitivity to alendronate or other bisphosphonates • abnormalities of the esophagus (including stricture, achalasia) • inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes Drug interactions • parathyroid hormone, multivitamins/minerals (with vitamin A, D, E, K, folate, or iron) Cautions • use with caution in patients with renal impairment (not recommended for use in patients with CrCl <35 mL/minute) |
| Adverse Effects (common and severe) | • esophagitis • hypocalcemia • osteonecrosis of the jaw • atypical femur fracture |
| Instructions and dose (initial; typical) | prevention: 5 mg once daily; treatment: 10 mg once daily |
| Monitoring | • bone mineral density should be evaluated 1 to 2 years after initiating therapy • assessment of chronic back pain • serum calcium and 25(OH)D |
| Source of Suggestion | Canadian clinical practice guidelines (Added on August, 2015) |