Delayed Gastrointestinal Complications Associated with Alendronate: a Case Involving an Elderly Nursing Home Resident

Authors

  • Gordon Stewart Bethany Care Centres—Calgary/Airdrie/Harvest Hills
  • Mark R.J. Addison Bethany Care Centre—Calgary
  • Hang Le University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4212/cjhp.v53i5.772

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Alendronate (Fosamax®) is an amino-bisphosphonate that binds to bone hydroxyapatite and inhibits osteoclast activity in bone resorption.1 It is indicated for the treatment of Paget’s disease, as well as for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Alendronate can cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa leading to esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, and erosion. The product monograph2 provides direction on proper administration to lessen the risk of esophageal injury. However, even when these directions are followed, esophageal injury is possible. This report describes a case of probable upper gastrointestinal damage in a very elderly patient who had been taking alendronate for more than 1 year.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2001-09-28

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 5 (2000)

Section

Case Report(s) / Observation(s) clinique(s)

License

After publication of a manuscript in the CJHP, the authors of the manuscript must obtain written permission from the CSHP (publications@cshp.ca) before reproducing any text, figures, tables, or illustrations from the work in future works of their own. If a submitted manuscript is declined for publication in the CJHP, all said rights shall revert to the authors. Please note that any forms (e.g., preprinted orders and patient intake forms) used by a specific hospital or other health care facility and included as illustrative material with a manuscript are exempt from this copyright transfer. The CJHP will require a letter from the hospital or health care facility granting permission to publish the document(s). 

Copyright © Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.