Bisphosphonates gastrointestinal effects

Bonviva consists of ibandronic acid, a bisphosphonate and is available as 150 mg tablets and 1 mg/mL injection. Patients receiving the oral formulation for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis are advised to take one tablet once a month. Absorption of bisphosphonates from the gastrointestinal tract may be effected by food or other administered drugs. Therefore patients are advised to take the Bonviva 150 mg tablet at least 1 hour before breakfast or another oral medicine and to continue standing or sitting upright for at least 1 hour after administration. 

Side effects of bisphosphonates are bone pain and gastrointestinal disturbances. 

The bisphosphonates deaease bone resorption and slow the progress of osteoporosis. Alendronate is effective for treatment of postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis. The principal potential side effects are gastrointestinal distress and esophageal ulcers. 

The adverse side effects of bisphosphonates are renal toxicity, acute-phase reactions, gastrointestinal toxicity, hypocalcemia, ocular complications, asthma erythema, phlebitis, altered taste, and central nervous system side effects. The osteonecrosis of the jaw is the emerging one (Diel et ah, 2007 Tanvetyanon and Stiff, 2006). To overcome this kind of problem, researchers are now turning toward nature-based drugs. 

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