PRESERVING BONES WITH BIOPHOSPHONATES: SHOULD YOU AVOID NSAIDS?

     Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Article, July 2010

Evidence is emerging that suggests a possible interaction between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a class of osteopo­rosis drugs called bisphosphonates. Patients need to be alert to the fact that the combination can result in an increased risk of ulcers and other gastrointestinal side effects.

The bisphospho­nates examined included alendronate (FOSAMAX), etidronate (DIDR­ONEL), ibandronate (BONIVA) and risedronate (ACTONEL) combined with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (ADVIL) and naproxen (ALEVE).

In this article, we present the conflicting evidence and offer some practical advice on what the cautious drug user should do.