Adverse drug events such as esophagitis.ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS SUCH AS ESOPHAGITIS esophagitis /esoph·a·gi·tis/ (e-sof?ah-ji´tis) inflammation of the esophagus.chronic peptic esophagitis reflux e. (inflammation of the esophagus) have been reported by patients who use bisphosphonates, which are taken to treat osteoporosis. The problem seems to arise primarily in patients who do not follow instructions on how to take the tablets. Studies that evaluate the risk of esophageal cancer have been inconsistent, leading the F.D.A. to determine whether there is an association. The agency considers the data too underdeveloped to recommend endoscopic screening for patients experiencing esophageal symptoms. Patients taking alendronate alendronate /alen·dro·nate/ (ah-len´dro-nat) a bisphosphonate calcium-regulating agent used in the form of the sodium salt to inhibit the resorption of bone in the treatment of osteitis deformans, osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia related (Fosamax[R]), risedronate (Actonel[R]), ibandronate (Boniva[R]), etidronate (Didronel[R]), or tiludronate (Skelid[R]) should carefully read and follow the directions on how to take the medication. Patients are supposed to take the tablets only with water and to sit upright after ingestion ingestion /in·ges·tion/ (-chun) the taking of food, drugs, etc., into the body by mouth. in·ges·tion n. 1. The act of taking food and drink into the body by the mouth. 2. . There is also a waiting period before food should be eaten. Failure to follow the instructions could increase the risk of esophageal adverse reactions. (Source: F.D.A. MedWatch Alert, August 2011.) |
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