Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are drugs used to slow down or prevent bone damage. You may hear bisphosphonates called bone-hardening or bone strengthening treatment.
They are often prescribed for people who are at risk of, or have, osteoporosis. Some treatments for breast cancer increase your risk of getting osteoporosis and your bones breaking (fractures). Bisphosphonates reduce this risk.
Bisphosphonates may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading in post-menopausal women.
What are the side effects of bisphosphonates?
Bisphosphonates can cause different side effects depending on which sort of bisphosphonate you are having.
Your treatment team will tell you about the side effects you might get with the sort of bisphosphonate you are taking.
Always tell your breast care nurse or treatment team how your treatment is affecting you. They can often suggest things to help make side effects easier to cope with.
Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
Bisphosphonates slow the rate that bone is broken down in your body. This maintains bone density and reduces the risk of fracture. There are a number of different bisphosphonates, including:
- Alendronate.
- Ibandronate.
- Risedronate.
- Zoledronic acid.
They are given as a tablet or injection.
You should always take bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Stand or sit upright for 30 minutes after taking them. You will also need to wait between 30 minutes and 2 hours before eating food or drinking any other fluids.
You may also be prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements to take at a different time to the bisphosphonate.
Side effects
Like all drugs, bisphosphonates have some side effects and these vary according to which drug you’re having. Your hospital treatment team may recommend you are prescribed a bisphosphonate, but it will be your GP who prescribes it and will explain the side effects to you depending on which drug is chosen.
The main side effects associated with bisphosphonates include:
- Irritation to the oesophagus (the tube that food passes through from the mouth to the stomach).
- Swallowing problems.
- Stomach pain.
Not everyone will experience these side effects.
Two rare side effects of taking bisphosphonates include having an effect on the way the kidneys work and osteonecrosis of the jaw. In osteonecrosis, the cells in the jaw bone die, which can lead to problems with healing. If you have a history of dental problems, you may need a check-up before you start treatment with bisphosphonates. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of breast cancer surgery. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the ePainQ research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team.
Clicking on the links in the left-hand menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, or if you become more unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team immediately.