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Osteoporosis calcium timing — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsOsteoporosis calcium timingGPhC CRA

A patient takes alendronic acid weekly and calcium carbonate with colecalciferol daily. She asks whether both should be taken together to make it easier. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Separate calcium from alendronic acid because calcium reduces absorption

Calcium reduces absorption of alendronic acid if taken at the same time. Alendronic acid should be taken with plain water before food and other medicines. The other options either delay appropriate care, use an unsuitable medicine, or miss the main safety issue.

Reference: BNF