"Pill esophagitis" - the case of alendronate
Article Abstract:
Physicians should be cautious about prescribing alendronate until its adverse effects can be thoroughly documented. Alendronate is used to increase bone mass in people with osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. However, a 1996 study reported the cases of 3 patients taking alendronate who suffered severe inflammation and erosion of the esophagus. As of March, 1996, the drug's manufacturer had received reports of 199 patients who have sustained damage to their esophagus. This condition, called 'pill esophagitis' can be prevented by drinking large amounts of water with the pill and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Esophagitis associated with the use of alendronate
Article Abstract:
People who take the drug alendronate should be careful to drink a full glass of water with the drug and remain standing for at least half an hour. Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. Physicians who treated three patients who developed an inflamed esophagus after taking alendronate reviewed all adverse reactions reported to the drug's manufacturer. The manufacturer received 199 reports of damage to the esophagus caused by alendronate. Thirty-two patients had to be hospitalized. Swallowing the drug dry and lying down immediately afterward appeared to be risk factors.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Alendronate versus calcitriol for the prevention of bone loss after cardiac transplantation
Article Abstract:
A random clinical trial is conducted to compare alendronate with calcitriol to prevent bone loss after cardiac transplantation. It is found that the degree of bone loss and the rates of fracture did not differ significantly between the intervention groups, however, calcitriol was associated with a higher risk of hypercalciuria.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2004
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