CHEMICAL ESOPHAGITIS AND ESOPHAGEAL ULCERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SODIUM ALENDRONATE USE

Abstract

Objective: This study focuses on patients alendronate uses and possible adverse effects. Material and Methods: Application of structured questionnaire for patients treated in pharmacies and drugstores in the regions of Santana and Guarulhos, São Paulo. Inclusion criteria: alendronate sodium use, both sexes, 45 and 80 years. Variables: demographic characteristics, source of prescription, prescribing, usage patterns and patient complaints. Results: Patients between 60-70 years old, female, practice a physical activity. 88% reported following a dose properly, 13% had complaints such as heartburn (more prevalent), sore throat or difficulty swallowing, stomach pain and gas. The most common dose of alendronate sodium was 70mg once a week. A large number of patients used the drug for over a year and other concomitant as: anti-inflammatory drugs (31%), analgesics (25%), antihypertensive (46%), hormones (18%) among others. Conclusion: The misuse of alendronate is related to the gastric side effects, we observed that not always the correct use reduces the incidence of esophageal problems, so such complaints could be related to the drug itself.