Bisphosphonates
What are Bisphosphonates?
Bisphosphonates are a group of medicines that slow down or prevent bone loss, strengthening bones. Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing minerals such as calcium from bone (the process is known as bone resorption). Bisphosphonates allow osteoblasts (bone building cells) to work more effectively, improving bone mass.
Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and may be used to lower high calcium levels in people with cancer. When used to treat osteoporosis, the optimal duration of treatment is not yet known; however, the majority of benefits appear to happen within the first five years of treatment and long-term use has been associated with atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw and esophageal cancer. Experts recommend the need for bisphosphonate treatment should be reviewed every three to five years.
List of Bisphosphonates
Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
zoledronic acid systemic (Pro) Brand names: Zometa, Aclasta, Reclast |
418 reviews | |
alendronate systemic (Pro) Brand names: Fosamax, Binosto |
187 reviews | |
ibandronate systemic (Pro) Brand name: Boniva |
120 reviews | |
risedronate systemic (Pro) Brand names: Actonel, Atelvia |
79 reviews | |
alendronate / cholecalciferol systemic Brand name: Fosamax Plus D |
1 review | |
pamidronate systemic (Pro) Brand name: Aredia | No reviews | |
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with bisphosphonates:
- Breast Cancer, Bone Metastases
- Heterotopic Ossification, Spinal Cord Injury
- Heterotopic Ossification, Total Hip Arthroplasty
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalcemia of Malignancy
- Osteolytic Bone Lesions of Multiple Myeloma
- Osteolytic Bone Metastases of Solid Tumors
- Osteoporosis
- Paget's Disease
- Prevention of Osteoporosis
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.