Alendronate sodium and uveitis

Alendronate sodium (Fosamax®) is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of pyrophosphate that bind to hydroxyapatite. The Dutch Medicine Evaluation Board approved alendronate sodium10 mg in April 1996. This formulation is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in women after menopause and the treatment and prevention of glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in man and woman with a low bone mass index (T -score,-1SD) [1] . Five years after approval of alendronate sodium 10 mg the manufacturer launched alendronate sodium 70 mg. This formulation has the advantage of a once-a-week administration. The Dutch Medicine Evaluation Board approved this drug in May 2001 for treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause[2]. Gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions like abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia, oesophageal ulcer and musculoskeletal pain and headache are reported in more than 1 percent of patients. The manufacturer claims similar drug safety profiles for both 10 and 70 -mg alendronate sodium [2].