Bisphosphonates for Metastatic Cancer

Side effects of bisphosphonates can include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain, heartburn, or increased gas.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Flu-like symptoms, including headache and muscle or joint pain.

Possible side effects that can occur but are not common include:

• Increased bone pain. This tends to be related to the amount used.
• The slowing of new bone growth. Lowering the amount used may reduce this side effect.

Some people taking bisphosphonates have problems with bone decay or delayed bone healing, particularly in the jaw. If you are taking bisphosphonates and need dental surgery, talk with your doctor about the risk of problems with bone healing.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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