Alendronate counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsAlendronate counsellingGPhC CRA

A 66-year-old woman starts alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly. She asks how to take it safely. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: C — Take on waking with water and remain upright before food

Alendronate can irritate the oesophagus and has poor absorption. It should be taken with plain water on waking, before food or other medicines, and the patient should remain upright for the specified period. Calcium should be taken at a separate time.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS