We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Bisphosphonates?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,325
Share

Bisphosphonates are a group of medications used to reduce the deterioration of bone loss. They include the medications risedronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid, and ibandronate. These medications are typically prescribed as a form of treatment for osteoporosis, a condition that causes weakening of the bones.

As bones become thinner and lose their density, they are at a higher risk of fracturing or breaking from a light fall. Bisphosphonates are classified as antiresorptive, a term that refers to their ability to thicken bone mass. Once the bones are thicker, they can withstand more force and can help protect people with osteoporosis or other bone thinning conditions from injuring themselves.

Although the medications may help treat or prevent bone loss, they can potentially cause harmful side effects. People may have trouble swallowing or experience pain after eating due to an inflamed esophagus. Taking bisphosphonates may also result in slowed healing of the jaw bones, so people who are on the medication are typically not advised to have serious dental surgery without consulting with their doctors.

The side effects of the medications can be reduced if a person takes it on an empty stomach and remains upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. Laying down immediately after taking the medication can increase the risk of esophagus inflammation. People who are on bed rest will typically not be able to safely take the medication.

Bisphosphonates are available in both oral capsules and injections. The dosage often varies widely depending on the severity of the bone loss. Oral capsule dosage recommendations may range from daily to just once a month. Injections also have a wide dosage range, so a doctor may administer them once every three months or may prescribe a once yearly dose.

People who have low bone mass will typically have a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D because their weakened bones cannot properly absorb the nutrients. They will often take calcium and vitamin D supplements, which can lose their effectiveness when taken at the same time as bisphosphonates. A doctor may recommend a person separate the supplements and medication by taking them at different times of the day.

Certain groups of people may not be able to safely take these medications. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take them because the effects of the medication on children are not conclusively known. Since the medication can irritate parts of the digestive system, people with serious kidney or esophageal conditions may not be able to safely take them without worsening their conditions.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-bisphosphonates.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.