Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you are taking bisphosphonates by mouth and you have:

• Hives.
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia).
• Muscle pain or cramps.
• Stomach pain.

Call your doctor if you are taking intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates and you have:

• Hives.
• Blood in the urine.
• Dizziness.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Muscle pain or cramps.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Heartburn and irritation of the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (Reference esophagus Opens New Window), if you are taking bisphosphonate pills. These side effects can usually be avoided by following the instructions for taking your medicine.
• Headache; constipation, diarrhea, and passing gas; and muscle and joint pain, if you are taking intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate shots.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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