The nurse monitors a patient taking alendronate for which common side effects?

Explanation

• Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease.

• Common side effects include GI irritation (pain, nausea, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea), hypocalcemia, headache, and musculoskeletal pain.

• Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast and bone resorption.

• More serious adverse reactions include hypocalcemia and esophageal, gastric, or duodenal ulcers.

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