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.