Dr. M. Listens.
Bisphosphonates for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Kristine Ensrud MD
JAMA 5 January 2021 Vol 325 Number 1 pg 96
The patient page in this volume dedicates itself to a discussion on the drugs known as BISPHOSPHONATES. These compounds can be found under various names such as alendronate. arisedronate, zolendronate, or ibandronate and are of particular importance to postmenopausal women. This is because it is at that time of life that they are most susceptible to the condition known as OSTEOPOROSIS . Osteoporosis is when the bones are quite fragile and can break easily.
As usual, these drugs have both beneficial and and harmful properties. On the good side, they can strengthen the bones and thus prevent fractures, some can be taken by mouth, and in general they last a long time. However, on the bad side they require attention to how they are taken, when they are taken and if their calcium levels are up to par. Some women also are at risk of suffering broken bones anyway if taken for more than 5 years.