A decrease in the level of minerals in the bone tissue is the reason for the occurrence of a huge amount of damage to the bone and articular apparatus in people of different age groups. Quite often, bone density decreases due to increased bone destruction - the so-called bone resorption. Normalization of physiological processes between the destruction and creation of bone tissue is the main goal of the treatment of diseases of this kind. One of the medicines used to treat osteoporosis is Osterepar. Let's look at what they say about the drug "Osterepar" instructions for use, reviews of doctors and patients.
Pharmacological characteristics
The active substance of the drug "Osterepar" is alendronic acid, which is presented in the form of the sodium salt - sodium alendronate. The mechanism of action of this substance is not fully understood, however, it is known that the endpoint of sodium alendronate exposure is the restoration of a positive balance between the destruction and restoration of bone tissue. Partially, this process is realized due to inhibition of osteoclasts - specialized bone cells responsible for its destruction.
In addition, it is known that a decrease in the amount of plasma calcium causes its accumulation in bone tissue while taking Osterepar. Instructions for use say that this helps strengthen the structure of the bone and reduce the risk of fractures.
Pharmacokinetic features
Despite the fact that sodium alendronate is highly soluble in water and aqueous solutions, absorption of the drug from the intestinal lumen cannot be called good - absorption is only about 25%. It is known that Osterepar binds fairly well to plasma proteins (the degree of binding reaches 70-75%), is not metabolized in the body.
Indications for use of the drug "Osterepar"
Instructions for use say that the drug is indicated for deforming disorders of bone tissue, which are called osteoporosis (including postmenopausal osteoporosis in women). Successfully, sodium alendronate is used to treat elevated plasma calcium levels in patients with malignant processes.
Contraindications
Official instructions for the drug “Osterepar” contain a complete list of contraindications to the prescription of the drug. So, “Osterepar” is contraindicated for use in children, since the final effectiveness of the drug and the safety of its use have not been clarified.
Sodium alendronate is not prescribed for lactation, feeding and pregnancy. Also, the drug is contraindicated in cases of reduced plasma calcium, rickets and vitamin D deficiency. With caution, the drug should be prescribed in patients with insufficient renal excretory function.
Side effects
Before the introduction of clinical practice, sodium alendronate underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. According to the results of these studies, the incidence of adverse reactions among individuals taking sodium alendronate was slightly lower than the incidence of adverse reactions in patients taking placebo.
Among the adverse reactions caused by the use of the Osterepar medicine, patients noted disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspepsia, abdominal pain, stool disorders with a tendency to constipation), as well as the central nervous system (headache). There are other side effects associated with the use of the drug Osterepar. Instructions for use indicate very rare allergic reactions in the form of a rash or skin itching.
special instructions
When taking Osterepar, tablets should be washed down with ordinary drinking water, since other drinks (mineral water, milk, fruit juices) can affect the bioavailability of the drug and slow its absorption. Due to the fact that sodium alendronate is capable of irritating the upper gastrointestinal tract, tablets should be washed down with a large volume of water (full glass). In a horizontal position, there is an increased risk of developing esophageal lesions when taking Osterepar. The instructions for use write that you should not go to bed for at least half an hour after taking the medicine, and also take the medicine before bedtime.
With caution, the drug is prescribed to patients with dental diseases, including tumor origin. When prescribing "Osterepar", it is recommended to undergo a complete dental examination and conduct a complete rehabilitation of the oral cavity. Dental procedures should be avoided during admission.
With prolonged therapy (more than one and a half years) with drugs from the bisphosphonates group, femoral fractures in the proximal part are possible. In the event of a fracture, it is recommended that the patient be referred for examination of the second femur to reduce the likelihood of a second fracture. In addition, Oseorepar therapy is discontinued until the benefits and risks of treatment are assessed.
Particularly noteworthy is the appointment of Ostererep in patients taking glucocorticosteroids. These drugs can reduce the absorption and, accordingly, the intake of calcium and vitamin D into the body. In such patients, hypocalcemia may be asymptomatic and may be severe in the presence of a hereditary predisposition. In order to prevent this complication and timely diagnosis of hypocalcemia, it is recommended to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
The drug is not prescribed for patients with rare and genetically caused diseases associated with lactose intolerance.
The drug does not affect the reaction rate and the ability to control mechanisms. However, it must be remembered that the complications and adverse reactions that occur after taking Osterepar can affect these processes.
Drug interactions
Osterepar is not recommended for joint use with aspirin, since acetylsalicylic acid enhances the side effects of sodium alendronate (especially its effect on the intestinal tract). However, Osterepar is well tolerated in patients additionally receiving anti-inflammatory therapy with non-steroidal drugs. Despite this fact, one should refrain from the combined use of these drugs, since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by themselves can cause pronounced side effects.
The administration of alendronic acid to women who additionally take estrogens in combination with progesterones contributed to a more pronounced increase in bone mass with a significant decrease in the level of bone resorption.
Thiazide-type diuretic therapy in combination with the administration of alendronic acid leads to a decrease in calcium loss by the body and reduces the effect of Osterepar.
Poisoning and overdose of the drug
In case of alendronic acid poisoning, disorders of the intestine are observed, manifested in the form of vomiting, heartburn, esophagitis and the formation of ulcers in the intestinal lumen. On the part of the skeletal system and the blood system, hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia may occur.
Treatment of poisoning and overdose is aimed at binding the drug in the intestinal lumen and its inactivation. To do this, you can use milk, calcium-based antacids, astringents. Independent vomiting cannot be caused, since the drug can cause irritation and burns of the esophagus. To wash the stomach, you must use a probe. Therapy is symptomatic, as well as aimed at stabilizing the level of calcium in the blood plasma.
Reviews of doctors and patients
About the drug "Osterepar" reviews are different, but more positive. On the part of patients taking the drug, the indignation is due to the irritating effect of the drug on the intestinal mucosa. From the point of view of doctors, the drug “Osterepar”, analogues of this drug containing sodium alendronate, are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis of various origins, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Analogues of the drug
A sufficient number of analogues of the drug containing sodium alendronate as an active substance are presented on the pharmaceutical market. Alendronate, Alendronic Acid, Alenthal, Strongos, Tevanat. All of these, as well as many other drugs are analogues of the Osterepar drug.
Instructions for use do not indicate analogues of the drug, however, if alendronic acid is in the composition, the drug can definitely be used to treat osteoporosis.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis is an insidious disease, and its treatment is complex and lengthy. As they say about the drug “Osterepar”, instructions for use, manufacturer, patients and treating doctors, the use of the drug has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system, normalizing calcium-phosphorus metabolism and reducing bone resorption.
However, while taking the medicine, in order to obtain the maximum effect, it is necessary to adhere to a few simple rules described in the instructions for use, and a constant connection with your doctor will help to avoid undesirable effects of the drug. During treatment, do not neglect the prescription of a specialist, as they are the key to successful therapy and a speedy recovery.