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Alendronate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 4, 2023.

Applies to alendronate: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet effervescent.

Serious side effects of alendronate

Along with its needed effects, alendronate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alendronate:

More common

  • stomach pain

Less common

  • difficulty with swallowing
  • heartburn
  • irritation or pain of the esophagus
  • muscle pain

Rare

  • skin rash

Incidence not known

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • confusion
  • convulsions
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with breathing
  • difficulty with moving
  • heartburn
  • heavy jaw feeling
  • hives or welts
  • irregular heartbeats
  • itching
  • joint pain
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loosening of a tooth
  • muscle aching or cramping
  • muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
  • numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
  • pain or burning in the throat
  • pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
  • rapid weight gain
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • redness of the skin
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
  • stomach cramps
  • swollen joints
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • tremor
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • vomiting

Other side effects of alendronate

Some side effects of alendronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Incidence not known

  • blurred vision or other change in vision
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • eye pain
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • sensation of spinning
  • sensitivity of the eye to light
  • tearing

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to alendronate: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet effervescent.

General

Generally, this drug has been well tolerated. Adverse effects usually have been mild when patients adhered to prescribing instructions.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Other

Ocular

Metabolic

Hypersensitivity

Respiratory

References

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Further information

Alendronate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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