Loading...
The esophageal complications associated with bisphosphonate drugs have been publicized widely, but there is evidence that these drugs also may cause other gastrointestinal side effects. These researchers compared the GI side effects of the 2 bisphosphonates marketed in the U.S. for osteoporosis, risedronate and alendronate. The study was supported by the maker of risedronate.
Researchers randomized 515 healthy postmenopausal women to receive either risedronate (5 mg daily) or alendronate (10 mg daily); these doses are approved for osteoporosis therapy. Subjects had endoscopy at baseline and at 1 and 2 weeks by endoscopists who were blinded to treatment assignment. The incidence of gastric ulcers ( (greater than or equal to) 3 mm) was signifi…