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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Alendronate Sodium Effective In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis?

Yes, I am trying to research a relatively new drug my mother takes for arthritis, she has advanced OA--not sure what type, is being seen by a rheumatologist. The name of the drug is Alendronate Sodium, it supposedly stops OA at whatever stage you may have it from getting worse. My concern is side effects concerning bone and muscle pain and dental related complications. thank you for any guidance you might have. sincerely, Lynn:)
Wed, 22 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for your question. I'm glad to help.

Alendronate sodium is used to treat osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by an unusually high rate of bone breakdown than normal. This rate of bone breakdown overwhelms the body's bone creation rate.

Osteoporosis is often due to aging, reduced estrogen levels in women who have passed the age of menopause, and reduced level of calcium in the body.

Alendronate sodium stops bone breakdown, thereby inhibiting the progression of the disease.

You are correct regarding the side effects of alendronate sodium. Side effects include bone pain, muscle pain with disease of the jaw among others. However, diet rich in calcium or calcium supplements may help reduce the risk of these effects.

I hope i have answered your question.

Please feed me back if you have more questions.

Warm regards.
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Is Alendronate Sodium Effective In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis?

Hi, thanks for your question. I m glad to help. Alendronate sodium is used to treat osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by an unusually high rate of bone breakdown than normal. This rate of bone breakdown overwhelms the body s bone creation rate. Osteoporosis is often due to aging, reduced estrogen levels in women who have passed the age of menopause, and reduced level of calcium in the body. Alendronate sodium stops bone breakdown, thereby inhibiting the progression of the disease. You are correct regarding the side effects of alendronate sodium. Side effects include bone pain, muscle pain with disease of the jaw among others. However, diet rich in calcium or calcium supplements may help reduce the risk of these effects. I hope i have answered your question. Please feed me back if you have more questions. Warm regards.