ALENDROS ® - Alendronic Acid

ALENDROS ® is a drug based on alendronic acid sodium salt

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Drugs affecting bone metabolism - Bisphosphonates

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ALENDROS ® - Alendronic Acid

ALENDROS ® is a drug that has long been used to treat bone problems associated with osteoporosis.

This medicine has been shown to be effective in preventing vertebral fractures in patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis, male osteoporosis and glucocorticoid osteoporosis without being useful in preventing femoral fractures.

Mechanism of action ALENDROS ® - Alendronic acid

Alendronic acid, the active ingredient of ALENDROS ® is a synthetic molecule belonging to the family of bisphosphonates, used for some time for the treatment of osteoporosis.

In fact, this active ingredient, once taken orally and absorbed at the intestinal level, settles preferentially on the hydroxyapatite crystals present in the sites of reabsorption of the bone matrix.

Here alendronate can interact with bone cells responsible for resorption, termed osteoclasts, inhibiting its activity through blockade on both the normal energy flow and protein synthesis.

The aforementioned action results in an appreciable increase in the bone mineral density necessary for the prevention of vertebral fractures

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. THE ANTITUMORAL ACTIVITY OF BIPHOSPHONATES

Very interesting study that demonstrates that bisphosphonates have long-term potential preventive activity against colorectal cancer. It would therefore be important to set up statistically significant clinical trials capable of testing this activity.

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION

Osteoporosis is a very frequent pathology especially in menopausal women for which, however, there is a possible pharmacological remedy. In fact, the correct use of bisphosphonates has been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of pathological fractures in affected patients. Proper medical information could be a serious strategy to increase therapeutic success.

3. COMPARATIVE THERAPEUTIC SCHEMES

Work that shows how the intake of alendronic acid once a week may represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to the administration of 10 mg once a day, in the treatment of male osteoporosis, reducing the drawbacks associated with the frequent ingestion of these tablets.

Method of use and dosage

ALENDROS ®

Tablets of 10 - 70 mg of alendronic acid:

the dosage scheme for the treatment of osteoporosis is generally based on taking one 70 mg tablet of alendronic acid once a week.

In order to avoid the appearance of adverse reactions in the esophageal area and at the same time to optimize the intestinal absorption of the drug, it is advisable for the patient to take the tablet on an empty stomach, with a glass of water, avoiding the intake of food or liquids in the following thirty minutes.

In the same period of time the patient must remain in an upright position to avoid the deposition of the drug in the esophageal mucosa.

The administration of ALENDROS ® must be prescribed and supervised by your doctor.

Warnings ALENDROS ® - Alendronic Acid

Taking ALENDROS ® should be preceded by a check on the patient's health conditions so as to minimize the risk of side effects.

Patients suffering from disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, previous histories of ulcers and intestinal bleeding, abdominal surgery, renal disease and hypocalcemia should be subjected to periodic checks during treatment with alendronic acid given the ability of this active ingredient to worsen its clinical pictures .

The doctor must carefully inform the patient about the correct way of taking the tablet, in order to avoid even serious side effects on the digestive tract, which often occur in these subjects.

ALENDROS ® contains lactose, therefore its use is not indicated in patients with lactase enzyme deficiency, galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of ALENDROS ® is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the absence of studies able to demonstrate the safety of alendronic acid on the health of the unborn child.

Interactions

The simultaneous intake of foods, liquids or active ingredients could reduce the therapeutic efficacy of ALENDROS ® by decreasing the intestinal absorption of the active ingredient and its bioavailability.

Furthermore, the use of NSAIDs, especially if prolonged over time, could significantly increase the risk of developing gastro-intestinal diseases such as peptic ulcer.

Contraindications ALENDROS ® - Alendronic acid

ALENDROS ® is contraindicated in patients suffering from esophageal diseases or related diseases that can reduce the time of emptying, in patients who have difficulty maintaining their upright posture or erect bust, in case of hypocalcemia and hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Different clinical trials and particularly accurate post-clinical monitoring have shown that alendronic acid intake can increase the frequency of headache, cramping abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, esophageal ulcer, dysphagia, back sternum pain, hypersensitivity skin reactions, pain skeletal muscle.

Rarely, photosensitivity reactions, lower limb edema and peptic ulcers have been observed, while it is important to assess the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients who underwent dental care at the same time.